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A publication of
First United Methodist Church
St. Charles, MO
July 27, 2011
Vol. 40, No.12
www.fumcstcharles.org

THE LITURGICAL SEASONS
By Hamilton Park UMC

But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. --Joshua 24:15 (NIV)

Worship is one of those nouns that works like a verb - it demands action. It is a word designed to stimulate our senses, shape our emotions, and define who GOD is in our lives. GOD does not care that some of us are traditionalists and others of us are contemporary or that still others of us are charismatic. GOD does not even care where or when we worship. GOD just commands us to WORSHIP! So, in your search for the perfect way to worship, remember to just stop and look inside your hearts.

Worship or Liturgy is divided into Seasons. Throughout the global United Methodist Church, we celebrate six Seasons of the divine calendar - Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. Within those Seasons we also find the Liturgical (Worshiping) Colors - purple (violet or blue), white, green, black, gold, and red. These colors, adorning the altar and worn by the clergy, change to symbolize the significant events of those times. The altar adornments are called "paraments" (objects made of richly decorated fabric, especially a ceremonial robe, tapestry, or wall hanging).

THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
THE Liturgical SEASONS

Advent - celebrates the coming or birth of Christ Advent is the beginning of the church new year (any day between November 27 and December 3; always contains four Sundays; ends Christmas Eve). The traditional liturgical color is purple (violet), blue is gaining popularity.

Christmas - celebrates the anniversary of the birth of Jesus

Christmas begins Christmas Day and lasts for 12 days. The liturgical color is white.

Epiphany - celebrates the manifestation of the divine nature of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi

Epiphany begins the first Sunday in January and varies in length depending on the date set for Easter. It lasts until Septuagesima Sunday, 64 days before Easter. For the first and last Sundays, the liturgical color is white, for Ash Wednesday, it is purple, and for the other days, it is green.

Lent - observes a season of penitence

Lent is the season lasting forty-six days (not counting Sundays) beginning Ash Wednesday and ending the eve of Easter. The liturgical color is purple (violet). On Good Friday, black is substituted.

Easter - celebrates the commemoration of the Resurrection of Christ

Easter begins on Easter Sunday and continues for fifty days until Pentecost. The liturgical color is white and gold.

Pentecost - commemorates the decent of the Holy Ghost upon the disciples

Pentecost begins the "fiftieth day" after Easter and is longest season of the church year. It lasts until the first Sunday in Advent. The liturgical color for the first Sunday is red; Trinity, Christ the King, All Saints Day is white. The liturgical color for all other Sundays following Pentecost Sunday is green.

Some Prominent Seasons are as follows:

Lent - observes a season of penitence (fasting and praying)

Lent is the season lasting forty-six days (not counting Sundays) beginning Ash Wednesday and ending the eve of Easter. The liturgical color is purple (violet). Good Friday, black is substituted. Within the Lenten Season, we observe the following sacred events:

Ash Wednesday - addresses sin and death The day ashes are rubbed on foreheads symbolizing that we are dust, and to dust we shall return, but with God's grace we can learn to live this life more fully, embracing our sinfulness, allowing God to transform us.

Palm Sunday - signals the upcoming end of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week The day commemorates the spreading of palms and clothing in Jesus' path as He entered Jerusalem prior to His crucifixion.

Holy/Maundy Thursday - the word "Maundy" comes from the Latin word for 'command' (man datum) The command Jesus gave His disciples to love one another. The day, on which Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples, sharing a meal with them, which we call the Last Supper.

Good Friday - a day of mourning The holy day of meditation for Christians, celebrated the Friday before Easter. It commemorates the suffering and death on the cross - the Crucifixion of Jesus at Calvary.

Easter - celebrates the commemoration of the Resurrection of Christ Easter begins on Easter Sunday and continues for fifty days until Pentecost. The liturgical color is white and/or gold.

Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and women followers of Jesus, fifty days after Easter, and ten days after Ascension Thursday. After the ascension of Jesus, the apostles having retired to a house at Jerusalem, they there waited for the Holy Spirit, which Jesus had promised. (Read Acts 2:1-3) The Season of Pentecost celebrates that first Pentecost when all those who believed in Jesus Christ were gathered awaiting the coming of the Holy Ghost. Their being on one accord was a result of things unseen that created an atmosphere celebrating their differences, and made them one.

SAM NEWS
By Roemell Woods

On August 8th Carloyn Peterson, a retired band director and guidance counselor in the St. Charles school district, will bring her 17 plus years experience in the travel industry to us. You will be amazed by the sights and sounds of this "Around the World Adventure" selected from personal travels of the presenter. Menu: BBQ ham, macaroni and cheese, salad, green beans, and dessert. The fee is $8.00 and reservations are due by noon August 2, 2011.

CAUGHT DOING SOMETHING GOOD
By Rev. Robin Roderick

Caught you doing something wonderful--a little birdie told us that Ansel and Astrid Smith opened a lemonade stand to raise money for Joplin relief. Way to go Ansel and Astrid! Thank you for showing us what disciples do. Perhaps we'll be inspired to do something as well. So how about it FUMC? Where are you involved in risk-taking mission and service that we can highlight? A project beyond the scope of the wonderful things we've already heard about? Let us know.

CANDLE BURNING FOR MISSION
by Myra Bickel

The United Methodist Women support projects and mission personnel around the world through Mission Giving. The funds we contribute help to relieve suffering, and to make the world a better place for women, youth, and children. The Candle Burning for Mission program is offered by the St. Charles United Methodist Women as an extra channel of Mission Giving. You may donate funds in honor or in memory of loved ones, friends or organizations. A list of those honorees or those memorialized will appear in the bulletin on UMW Sunday, August 28, 2011. The Mission Candle will be burned on UMW Sunday for the number of seconds, minutes, and hours that are funded at $290.07 per minute or $.43 per second. Monetary gifts for the Mission minutes will be received at the UMW table in the Atrium on Sunday, August 7, August 14, and August 21, 2011. Please use this unique opportunity to support Mission Giving and to honor or to memorialize friends, family members, or organizations that are close to your heart!

WHAT IS THE WALK TO EMMAUS?

by Pattie Rapsoso

The Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal program intended to strengthen the local church through the development of Christian disciples and leaders. The program's approach seriously considers the model of Christ's servanthood and encourages Christ's disciples to act in ways appropriate to being "a servant of all." The upcoming dates for these retreats are:

WALK TO EMMAUS MEN'S WALK #131, SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 2, 2011, ALL GOD'S CHILDREN CAMP, HIGH RIDGE, MISSOURI.
WALK TO EMMAUS WOMEN'S WALK #132, OCTOBER 20 - 23, 2011, ALL GOD'S CHILDREN CAMP, HIGH RIDGE, MISSOURI.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO www.moeastemmaus.org OR CONTACT DAVE OR PATTIE RAPOSO AT 636-284-9328 OR 636-284-9329.

FESTIVAL OF SHARING
by Paul Boughton

The collection drive for Festival of Sharing doesn't take place until September, but now is the time to take advantage of fall sales for school items. The Readin' & Writin' pack is the same as it has been in the past:
6 new pencils with erasers
2" eraser
2 ink pens (med. point)
1 box of 24 crayons
1 pencil holder
12" ruler
6 folders with pockets
1 pair of scissors (metal, child size)
2 spiral / tape bound notebooks (total 140 pages)

Information about other packs will be forthcoming in August.

KAIROS #3 AT POTOSI CORRECTIONAL CENTER
by Patti Rapso
The next Kairos Prison Ministry weekend will be held November 17-20, 2011, at Potosi Correctional Center, Potosi, Missouri. Team meetings (dates to be announced) will be held at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 22761 Telegraph Road, St. Louis, MO, 63125.

The team is being put together now! Team members, both lay and clergy, are needed for this upcoming weekend. For more information about this ministry, go to www.kairosprisonministry.org or go to www.kairos-potosi.com.

Feel free to contact the church office at (636)947-0066 or email fumc_stcharles@sbcglobal.net for specific information about the upcoming weekend.

You are being called to minister to the "least of them" (Matthew 25:31-46). Please answer the call!

MUSIC NOTES
by Dan Fry

As some of you know, I have accepted a position as Assistant Director of Music at Central Presbyterian Church in Clayton, where I will have responsibilities with the choirs and as accompanist and organist, beginning August 1. I have enjoyed the chance to work with many committed singers, both adult and youth, and enjoyed getting a chance to meet some of you. I regret that the 2 years I was here was not long enough to get to meet more of you! I wish you all the best as you welcome a new director and his or her gifts. Best wishes as you continue to do God's work and look for ways to serve.

YOUTH SUMMER REWIND
by Nancy Cooper

Summer trips for the youth have concluded and we finished up with a bang! July 2nd-8th the Sr. High headed to Windsor, MO for our mission trip. While there we worked for Windsor UMC and El Dorado UMC. The trip started off slow on work but long on fun. Saturday evening we began building a cardboard boat for the Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta at the local park, and learned what our work projects would be for the week. Sunday morning we were able to worship with both congregations and then Sunday afternoon we started cleaning out 2 rooms at Windsor that we would be painting, taking up tile, and even carpeting one room. Since Monday was the 4th of July we spent the morning working and then the afternoon at the local park enjoying (and participating in) the Cardboard Boat Regatta. While we didn't win any trophies, we did have the satisfaction of having constructed a boat that didn't sink! That evening we enjoyed a concert and fireworks.

The next day we had the privilege of spending the majority of the day with the local Amish community. We observed their produce auction, visited 2 homes, learned about sorghum making and milking goats, went for a wagon ride, and shopped at the fabric store and the local grocery store. We were also treated to homemade bread, butter, sorghum and cookies.

Wednesday morning we spent at El Dorado where we sealed the basement floor, completely cleaned the Sanctuary and washed all the folding chairs. Then it was back to Windsor where we spent the next 2 days painting 3 rooms, carpeting 1 room, building shelves, repairing a water damaged wall, trimming bushes, cleaning out a fence row, loading and unloading the limbs from a tree that was damaged in a recent storm, and even cleaning out the gutters at the parsonage where we stayed. It was a busy week but one we will all remember!

Then, July 13th-17th eight of our youth headed off to Purdue University to experience Youth 2011, a gathering of United Methodist youth from all across the country. There we enjoyed outstanding worship, speakers, and bands. Each morning was filled with workshops where we learned more about our faith and ways to live it out in everyday life. The afternoons we went to Bible Study and then to labs where we were assigned to a small group learning experience facilitated by speakers

JOPLIN COLLECTION
By Bob & Beverly Veenstra

We would like to thank all who contributed to the collection of Underwear and Hygiene Kits for the First United Methodist Church of Joplin. The church was very appreciative to receive these items. FUMC Joplin is currently housing 36 families in there church. They are very busy keeping up with all the details that it takes to house this many families.

In addition they have a FEMA center located in their church. The area that was hit by the tornado was totally destroyed. The area hit was approximately one mile by thirteen miles. Unless you see it in person, no television coverage can cover the scope of damage done.

We also want to thank John Booker who assisted me in taking these items to Joplin. Again thank you all. You are much appreciated.

TWO DAYS SERVICE
by Rev. Debby Bartley

Serve 2011 and Serve Day 2011 are two separate but similar days that provide an opportunity for local churches to get involved in community service that demonstrates the power of God's love through acts of kindness and the meeting of real needs. Their purpose is to have a day in which Christians engage in performing community service activites. They provide a time of fellowship, reflection, and work , showing the power of God's love at work in the community. These days represent an opportunity for our congregation to "get outside the walls," and to demonstrate their unity with Christ.

Serve 2011 is sponsored by the Missouri Conference it will be held on September 10, 2011

Serve Day 2011 is scheduled for October 22. This is an Ecumenical effort. Service projects will be posted on Serve Day 2011 website and will include a brief description of the project and the number of volunteers needed . Anyone wishing to volunteer may go to the website and register for working on any given project. FUMC will specifically be working one or more projects sponsored by United Services. Work might involve yard cleanup, painting, building repair, cleaning, etc.

Project deails and sign up opportunies will be forthcoming very soon.

TRUSTEES MIDYEAR UPDATE

by Trustees
The Trustees have been very busy this year and we would like to provide you with information of what we have been involved with since January 1, 2011. We hope you find this information helpful and informative. Also we truly wish to thank each of you for your ongoing support. For this report all dollar amounts are approximated. Please keep in mind that without you these projects would not be able to be completed. You are all appreciated.

1. Atrium window replacements $7500.00 2. Atrium tower windows resealed $2500.00
3 Security System Installation $6325.00
4. Parking lot repair/ Bax Engineering $3100.00
5. Cemetery Improvement /Maintenance $2300.00
6. Bus repairs $615.00
7. Church Grounds
a. Pillars Repainted/Repaired $400.00
b. Tree removed $800.00
c. New Lawnmower $400.00
d. Lawn leveled $150.00
e. Repaired Lights $200.00
8. Parsonage
a. New Washer/Range $940.00
b. Carpet Cleaning $120.00
c. Fireplace Flue Cleaned $150.00
d. Garage door repair $335.00
e.Electrical and plumbing updates $190.00
f. Interior Painting $150.00
g. Column painting repair $150.00
9. AED Installation $1350.00
If you have any questions about these items please feel free to ask any Trustee. We will be glad to answer any question you may have.

BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY FEATURING SAFETY TOWN
by Rev. Debby Bartley

The Back to School Party will take place on our front lawn on August 6th from 10am-1pm. Children of all ages and their families will enjoy hotdog lunches, games, prizes, inflatables, snow cones, and more! All children will receive a free school supply kit. Safety Town will take place on the parking lot and in the atrium. Safety Town is geared for ages 2-5 and is a fun way for children to learn important safety fundamentals including pedestrian, bike, seat belt, stranger, and fire safety. A mini-town is the backdrop complete with traffic lights, buildings, streets, and signs. Children will walk and ride tricycles in Safetyville and learn the rules of the road. Parents will participate with their children and receive resource material.

To ensure the success of this event, we need volunteers. We hope to do a lot of the set-up on Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. Set-up begins at 8:00 a.m. Saturday morning, and tear-down for Safetyville is at Noon and Back-to-School at 1:00 p.m. We especially need men and youth to help at these times since some of the items are large or heavy. Volunteers are also needed to help with registration, snacks, and monitor games and activities. Please contact the church office at (636)947-0066 and let them know how you can help: 8:00-10:00 set-up; 10:00-11:30 or 11:30-1:00 work games and booths; 1:00-2:00 tear-down and clean-up.

This event is a wonderful opportunity to share Christ’s love with our neighbors. Our church mission calls us to gather people to Christ. So what are we waiting for? Let’s Go!

ANNUAL CONFERENCE NOTES
by Billy Collier

Ron and I were privileged to represent our congregation at the United Methodist Annual Conference held in Springfield this past month. This year's theme was "Extravagant Generosity - practicing the Grace of Giving". Our Bishop, Rev. Schnase provided us with several messages and learning times, and we again were blessed to be part of the Sunday Morning communion service - there is nothing like sharing the Lord's Supper with 2000+ fellow Christians!

This year's session was a time of joy and sorrow as we heard two pastors from Joplin share their stories of the minutes, hours and days after the tornado hit their community. Both pastors were eloquent in their messages, and if you haven't seen and heard the video of that session, be sure and ask to borrow Connie DeWeese's copy - it is a message that will both uplift you and help you understand the devastation our sisters and brothers in Christ continue to face in Joplin.

This provdied several opportunities for learning, as we participated in choosing the delegates to represent our conference at both the General and Jurisdictional Conferences to be held in 2012. Laity chose 7 Lay delegates to each conference, and Clergy chose 7 Clergy delegates to each conference. It was interesting to see how the process developed and the intentional deliberation and thought both groups gave to their choices, and as you have probably heard before, our own Rev. Robin was chosen as one of the few women clergy to represent our conference at the General session! Rev. Debbie was ordained a Deacon in full connection after completing all the requirements of education and preparation as well as receiving the confirmation of the Board of Ordained Ministry.

We were able to meet old friends and acquaintances from prior church memberships, and also met new friends through the generous dinner hosted by Rev. Lynn Dyke. She supplemented the meal with a program that highlighted the delight and generosity of God. Rev. Bob Farr shared a message about his book "Renovate or Die" and Rev. Schnase shared several messages on how we can practice extravagant generosity. He provided each of us a book on daily readings on the "Grace of Giving". Our Gateway Regional District church laity members were briefed on training opportunities for the coming year, and we had break-out session on the need for support of the Ludhiana Christian medical College and Hospital, the Self-Sustainability projects in Mozambique, how local churches can make good decisions on capital projects, how to support a local stewardship campaign, and how to teach our children extravagant generosity in the church and home, and participated in the review and approval of our conference budget for 2012.

This was our third year in representing our church, and our responsibilities as Lay delegates for our congregation have ended. However, both Ron and I would strongly encourage anyone with an interest in deepening your faith and commitment as Christians and members of our church to participate in representing our church for the next three years. If you have questions, please contact us and let Rev. Robin or someone on our Nominating Committee know if you would be interested in attending next year's Annual Conference. It was another wonderful experience this year and tremendously uplifting to be part of these four days totally focused on our Savior and ways we can meet God's expectations through "Extravagant Generosity"!

FUMC FAVROTIES CONCERT
by Sharon Byers

On September 9th our organist, Sharon Byers will be presenting an anniversary concert performing some of our favorite organ/ piano pieces through the years. If you have a request or suggestion, please leave a message at (636)947-0007 or drop a written note in the church office (not church voice -mail, please!) Thanks for all in-put. Hopefully a CD with this repertoire will also be available.

A Look Ahead

FUMC August Calendar

July 30th - Work on Habitat for Humantiy

July 31st - Youth Zoo trip

Aug 6th - Back to School

Aug 8th - SAM Luncheon

Aug14th - Joplin VIM Trip Meeting

Aug14th - Youth Park & BBQ

Aug21th - Kick -off & parent Mtg

Aug 27th - Missouri East Walk to Emmaus

Aug 29th - Mystery Mission Trip

Aug 29th - Safe Sanctuary Local Training Date

Sept. 9th - FUMC Favorites Concert

Sept. 10th - Serve 2011

Deaths
Our deepest sympathies are extended to the families of those who have died recently:

The family of Ly Syin Lobster( Administrative Assistant) , at the death of ly Syin's Grandmother, Rose Lobster, on 7/25/11.
Gene and Dorothy Wilson, at the death of Dorothy's nephew, Tony Hughes, on 7/16/11.
Julia Richardson, long time emmber of this church, died on 7/1/11.
New Babies
Congratulations to the following families on their newest additions!
Grant Christopher Hawn, son of Christopher and Jennifer Hawn, brother of Charlotte Hawn, and nephew of Sara Hemman, on June 14, 2011.

You are receiving this e-mail because you are a member or attendee of First United Methodist Church and you specifically requested to receive the electronic version of the Spire. If you no longer wish to receive the Spire electronically, you may unsubscribe from this list.

Comments? Thoughts? Let us know.

Articles to be included in the August 10th Spire are due in the Church Office by Wednesday, August3rd. You may also e-mail articles to spire@fumcstcharles.org.

Download the PDF print version of this document. (Optimized for 8.5" x 14" paper)
Download the PDF of the August Calendar for FUMC. (Optimized for 8.5" x 14" paper)

Our mailing address is:
First United Methodist Church
801 First Capitol Drive
St. Charles, MO 63301

Our telephone:
(636) 947-0066

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