Confetti
By Reverend Robin Roderick

As the news reports of the murder of Rev. Fred Winters (Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Maryville, IL) began to dominate the media, there is one line that I remember: “It looked like confetti.”

“It looked like confetti,” his parishioners said as the bullet tore through his Bible, shredding its pages, tearing through the life of Rev. Winters, shredding the peace and security of the congregation that morning.

If this scene had been from a made for TV movie, or a skit as some originally thought, the Bible would surely have stopped that bullet like a tin star on a sheriff's chest. It would have been a miracle. We would be telling a different story.

Reflecting, as I'm sure most pastors did, I confess at first I hoped there was some 'reasonable' explanation--an altercation, a disagreement, a hidden sin where there was at least a degree of culpability on the part of the deceased--because of course that would make the rest of us safe on Sunday mornings if we avoided the same missteps.

But the truth is, ministers are, and will continue to be, public figures upon which people fixate and sometimes take out their frustrations, anger and illness.

And the bible didn't stop the bullet. Rev. Winters’s congregation and his spouse all remarked about his faithfulness and how he was doing exactly what he most loved--serving God. And we remember that there is a whole lot in that Bible, shredded or not, that discipleship will be costly. Absolutely. Without question.

So I keep thinking I am looking for the wrong miracle--not that the Bible would stop the bullet, but perhaps that we could so surrender our life to the Word, to the gracious promises of Jesus Christ, that we can love Jesus thoroughly and without reserve no matter the cost.

Costner-Fulton Funds
By Billy Collier

It is a dynamic force in helping us meet Jesus’s great commission – “…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

One of the items I recently learned about is The Costner-Fulton Fund for Missions. Tom and LaVerne Fulton shared a passion for social work, and their activism was a calling, rooted in faith and given further expression through the outreach ministries of the United Methodist Church. They moved to Columbia, Missouri in 1964 where Tom worked at the University of Missouri. Tom passed away in 1996, and Laverne died in 2002.

Prior to the Fultons’ deaths, they created a permanent endowment that would continue to reach out to a world in need. The endowment benefits missions through the Global Connections Team of the Missouri Conference.

The Global Connections Team offers grants of up to $5,000 to assist congregations launch new (non-construction) mission programs. All United Methodist Churches and related ministries in Missouri are eligible to apply for grant assistance. The deadline for all applications is October 1, 2009. Priority consideration is given to proposals that increase effectiveness in missions, including but not limited to: Volunteers in Mission, disaster response, health, wholeness and welfare ministries, and ecumenical and inter-religious concerns. It is intended for special one-time funding needs.

For more information, please contact Max Marble at 573-474-7155 or marble@umocm.com.

Dinner Theater 2009

It’s that time of year again! Dinner Theater is almost here! This year the youth will present a family friendly show “The Gospel According to Walt” featuring lots of scenes that children and adults alike will recognize and enjoy.

This year’s dinner theater will be the traditional three performances: Friday night dessert on May 1st, Saturday night dinner on May 2nd, and an afternoon matinee popcorn show on Sunday, May 3rd. Cost for tickets will be $10/$16/$6 respectively for adults and $6/$8/$4 for children. Invite your neighbors and friends as you won’t want to miss this wonderful performance. Tickets go on sale in April.

Vacation Bible School

On Sunday, March 29, at 12 noon, we will have a visioning and planning meeting for Crocodile Dock Vacation Bible School in room 134 in the Education Building. This meeting is for anyone who wants to be involved in crafts, Bible adventures and mission, theater, games, registration, and decorating.

There are opportunities with 3 year olds, preschool, or elementary ages. Crocodile Dock is where fearless kids shine God's light. Come be a part of VBS and let God's light shine in you! If you have any questions or want more info about VBS contact Dawn Orndorff @ 947-0066 ext. 123. 

Recruiting Ushers

Have you noticed the men and women who greet you as you enter the Sanctuary for the Sunday morning services? These people, our ushers, are the ones who hand you the morning bulletin, and maybe assist you to your seat.

The ushers are also the ones who prepare the Sanctuary for worship. They ensure the altar candles are refreshed, the pews are reserved for special occasions, and the baptismal font is ready. They assist you in communion. They also prepare the Sanctuary between services so that you may have the best personal worship experience.

We are in need of new ushers. If you are a man, woman, or mature youth (13 years or older and having been through the confirmation class) who is looking for a way to serve, we want to hear from you. If you are interested in serving as an usher, please contact Mike Menefee at 636-441-5399 (mmenefee@mail.win.org) or the church office.