Let's Go Down to the River to Pray
By Reverend Robin Roderick

The words in the title of this column run through a beautiful folk song portraying the gathering for a baptism. Have you ever gone down to the river or to the pond and watched as someone waded into the waters? The pastor dips them backward and they rise from their baptismal waters, the drips and splashes caught in the sunlight as the family who have prayed and pleaded at times catches their breath. I remember some of those moments well from gathering on the banks near Mossy Head, Florida where, as they would say, "The Lord claimed another one for himself."

This past Sunday, a mother and son came down to the waters. The holiness and beauty of the moment was thick among us. While we didn't wade into the muddy creek, it seemed as if the waters where still mesmerizing for little Lucas. Standing at Baptismal font height, he placed his chin on the rim and gazed into the water--for a long, long time. After his baptism there remained one perfect drop in the middle of his forehead.

Standing there I wondered if any of us had pondered the waters of our baptism lately. Have we taken a long, long look at the water--the way God controls the chaotic water, separates the water, brings the rain, water from the rock and washes us in the water of life--so we will never thirst again. When was the last time we thought we caught the feel of one perfect drop centering us as one whom “God has claimed for his own"?

This Lenten season, let a little child lead us. Like Lucas, let us look long and longingly at the waters of our Baptism.

Show-Me Creation Care
By Billy Collier

The mission of the conference is to inspire and enhance commitment to be faithful stewards of God’s resources in this world through increasing understanding and celebration of everything God has created. Remember: The LORD God put the man in the Garden of Eden to take care of it and to look after it. Genesis 2:15.

The conference starts on Friday with a Stream Team Clean-up at 4:00 and a concert by the Circle of Friends afterwards. Saturday’s agenda includes key note speakers and workshop sessions that will share information on global warming, how to be a green church, household conservation and recycling and many other interesting topics.

If interested, please contact the Office of Creative Ministries at 573-474-7155 or register on-line at http://www.umocm.com/creationcare.htm

As Pastor Robin would say, let’s go!

Women of Faith Weekend

Women of Faith is coming to St. Louis on June 26 and June 27. If you’ve never had the opportunity to attend, it is a fantastic event that will lead you into a deeper walk with Christ. The prices are $79.00 for the standard tickets for the two days (including a box lunch each day) if we have 10 or more in our group from FUMC.

The speakers are all wonderful - this year there will be the usual group of Luci Swindoll, Patsy Clairmont, Marilyn Meberg, and Sheila Walsh. This year will also feature Steven Curtis Chapman as both a speaker and performer, and Mandisa and Sandi Patti for musical performances.

Those interested in learning more should visit www.womenoffaith.com.

Tickets will be ordered at the end of March, so please check your calendar and contact Terry Tate (636 397-1217, or terrychris@gmail.com) if you would like to be a part of our group from First Church.

Please note: the full 2 day program runs June 26th 10:00-3:30, with a few hours break, then returning 7-9:30 pm, and Sat June 27th 9:00am to 4:00 pm. If you work and cannot get off Friday, it is still well worth attending Friday evening and Saturday!

One Great Hour of Sharing

Each year the One Great Hour of Sharing offering enables the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to bring hope to countless survivors of both natural and people made disasters. This year the offering is scheduled for March 22. Special offering envelopes will be in the church bulletin.

Unlike most of our other general ministries, UMCOR receives no apportionment money. It depends upon this offering to carry out the amazing job of providing relief here at home and around the world. Please prayerfully consider making a contribution to this wonderful ministry.

Easter Egg Hunt Preparations

The 7th Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt and Lunch on April 5 at noon is just around the corner! Preparations are well under way. Donations of plastic eggs, candy, individual serving applesauce and chips are needed by March 22. Donations of hotdogs and buns are needed by March 29. Mission Possible! will be stuffing eggs and lunch bags on Sunday, March 22, from 5 - 7 p.m. Join us for fun, fellowship, and pizza as we prepare to share the joy of the risen Lord with our community. Stop by the table in the Atrium for more information or contact Dawn Orndorff at (636) 947-0066.