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The Spire - semimonthly publication of FUMC. A publication of
First United Methodist Church
St. Charles, MO
February 9, 2011
Vol. 40, No.3
www.fumcstcharles.org

Mary Mc Leod Bethune's Faith
By Jill Nachtrab

"Without faith, nothing is possible. With it nothing is impossible." - Mary Mc Leod Bethune.

As I pondered what thoughts I might want to share in the newsletter as UMW President this year, my mind kept returning to our organization’s current theme:Faith,Hope,and Love in Action. I decided to see what quotes I could find pertaining to faith and was surprised and delighted to find the above quote attributed to Mary McLeod Bethune. I recognized the name immediately, as it belongs to one of our circles. I’m sure that many of you are already very familiar with this inspiring woman, but perhaps there are others out there like me who recognize her name but know nothing of her legacy.

Mary McLeod was born in 1875 to slaves who were freed after the Civil War. She worked in the fields with her parents until the age of 10 when she began attending Trinity Presbyterian Mission School and learned to read. She attended seminary with hopes of becoming a missionary in Africa. However, she learned that no positions were available to black women.

Mary subsequently became a teacher and married Albertus Bethune. She went on to fulfill her dream of opening her own school for young black girls in Daytona Beach, Florida. The school had a rigorous curriculum which began each day at 5:30 a.m. with Bible Study.

Bethune was very resourceful in finding ways to fund the school, including selling pies and fried fish as well as soliciting donations from wealthy white organizations. Bethune later wrote, “I considered cash money as the smallest part of my resources. I had faith in a loving God, faith in myself, and a desire to serve.”

The school Bethune founded is now Bethune-Cookman University. It educates more than 3,000 students each year.

In addition to her work with education, Bethune was active politically in issues pertaining to social justice. She worked to register black voters with the National Association for Colored Women, was invited to attend the Child Welfare Conference called by President Calvin Coolidge in 1928, and was appointed to the White House Conference on Child Health by Herbert Hoover. She fought for desegregation and served as an advisor to President Franklin Roosevelt regarding the issues facing black people, helping to establish the “Black Cabinet” which placed black leaders into higher levels of government than ever before.

I don’t have the space to give Mary McLeod Bethune all of the accolades she deserves, but I hope this gives you an idea of what a remarkable woman she was. Bethune’s faith is truly inspirational. She was a woman from truly humble beginnings, and that could certainly have kept her from accomplishing great things. Instead, her faith in God and herself gave her the ability to dream big dreams and the power to speak for justice and to act for change. She saw needs in the world around her, and she had a desire to make a difference.

My prayer for us in 2011 is that we will live in the spirit of Mary McLeod Bethune with faith in a loving God, faith in ourselves, and a desire to serve.

Vacation Bible School
By Dawn Orndorff


Waiting to hear God calling? This is the call! Vacation Bible School plans are under way! Plan to join the team that brings it all to life. This year's dates are June 27 - July 1 from 9 a.m. to Noon each day. Don't just pencil the dates in...write them in permanent ink! More details coming soon.

C. H. A. M.P. Collection
By Rev. Debby Bartley

C.H.A.M.P. (Citizens Helping American Military Personnel )was formed in March, 2003 at the beginning of the war in Iraq. The group’s purpose is to show appreciation of overseas active military personnel, wherever they may be, with ties to St. Charles County by sending letters and care packages. It is hoped that these packages will bring a small piece of home and provide some comfort while distance separates the military from family and friends.

Mission Possible! is partnering with C.H.A.M.P. to assemble care packages and write letters. Please pick up a collection bag on February 20 with a list of items needed. Please return these bags on Sunday, February 27.

Mark your calendar for March 20 and plan to join Mission Possible as we come together as a church to support this mission.

Lent Kick-Off
by Rev. Debby Bartley

To kick-off Lent, families with children ages 3 through high school are invited to a family-oriented Sunday School on March 6.  Families will spend the hour together enjoying music, a lesson, and crafts.  Grandparents are welcome to join the festivities, too!  We will gather in Room 316 at 9:30.  Questions?  Please see Rev. Debby or give her a call (636-947-0066, x124).  

Spring Mission Trip
by Lu Cross

There is still time to sign up for the Mid-West Mission trip to Chatham, Ill, but space is filling up. The trip is scheduled for March 27 to April 1. At the Center, disaster relief kits are prepared for distribution locally, nationally and around the world. There is a bike repair shop and a woodworking shop where school desks are made as well as other woodworking projects. Volunteers pack kits, sew school bags, hospital gowns and other items. A beautiful dormitory (sleeps 32), with a kitchen and community room is available. RV parking is also available. The cost is $125 per person, plus food expense. Food will be prepared in the kitchen. Carol Borgmann will be the Chef and the food expense will be determined once the number of people going is known. A $50 deposit is required by February 20. Checks should be made out to First United Methodist Church, with mission trip written in the memo line. Please give check to Lu Cross for tracking or turn in to the office. The church bus has been scheduled, but there may be a need for some carpooling. Further details may be obtained from Lu Cross at (636) 947-0066.

SAM News
by Roemell Woods

On February 14, 2010 Join SAM as Rev. Robin Roderick, our senior pastor tells of her journey from corporate executive to Pulpit pastor - via the jungles of Guatemala. Menu: lasagna, salad, bread and dessert. The fee is $8.00 and reservations will be due by noon February 8, 2011.

Church Prints Available
by Anita Hockett

If you failed to purchase one of the lovely prints of the church when they were for sale in December, you will be pleased to know that there are some still some available. There are 8 x 10’s and 11 x 14’s with and without borders. 8x 10’s are $20 and the 11 x 14’s are $25. This beautiful winter depiction of our church was painted by our own church member, Anita Hockett. All proceeds will be applied to our church mission programs. These are offered for sale during the week in the church office

Youth Dinner Theater
by Nancy Cooper

The youth will, once again, present a dinner theater this year in order to raise funds for their upcoming mission trips. This has been an annual event for many years and something the youth look forward to each year. While raising funds for their mission trips, they also have the opportunity to share a faith message. This year's presentation is "The Defense Calls God", a two act play written by Dave Cole and takes a look at those questions we all have at one time or another. Yes, we're putting the Creator of the universe on trial! While certainly a serious subject, this year's dinner theater will still have some hilarious moments. Please plan to join us for dessert on Friday, March 4th, dinner on Saturday, March 5th, or our popcorn matinee on Sunday, March 6th. Tickets are on sale in the atrium between services or in the church office during the week. Thank you for helping our youth in missions and in telling a story of faith.

FUMC Website
by Mike Menefee


You may have noticed our increased use of electronic media, whether it be email, Facebook, Evite (electronic invitations), or our church website (http://www.fumcstcharles.org/). We are making a concerted effort to make better use of our website. Among our recent improvements are more current information on our home page, up-to-date events (Home > GetConnected > Events), electronic giving (Home > GetConnected > Giving), improved archiving of past Spire and Parent Link publications (in work), and an electronic version of the UMW newsletter (in work). We will also be making better use of our Announcements page (Home > GetConnected > Announcements) by posting notices, schedule changes, cancellations, and other things that require short-term notifications. Please check the Announcements page regularly. We will soon begin a thorough review of our website. Please send your comments to info@fumcstcharles.org

Healthy Communites
by Billy Collier


To All laity and clergy with hearts prepared to make healthy witnesses who actively follow Jesus Christ:

Healthy communities begin with healthy individuals. A church that promotes spiritual, emotional, relational, financial and physical wellness will support the rich and joyful lives God wants for us. Both clergy and laity will benefit from the workshops. Please consider the Following Workshops:

February 19, 2011 at Missouri United Methodist Church in Columbia,

April 2, 2011 at First United Methodist Church in St. Charles,

April 30, 2011 at SE District Office in Cape Girardeau

Information: 417.988.0862 email: fcnjulie@gmail.com

Registration: 573.474.7155 email: thackery@umocm.com

Summer Camp
by Nancy Cooper


Do your kids ever get bored in the summer? Think they might enjoy a week of swimming, crafts, hiking, games and making great friends? How about at a place where Jesus is the center of all they do? Then check out our United Methodist Camps at www.moumethodist.org under the youth ministries tab. There are camps for everyone from 4 years old to graduated seniors in high school. Like to fish? There are fishing camps. How about horseback riding. Yep, got those too. There’s even a rocket camp where campers will build their own rocket and a camp all about Narnia for those who love to read. There are parent/child camps too if you want to go to camp with your child. Read about all the camps online or stop by the office and see Rev. Debby or Nancy Cooper to check out the camps for your age child. No matter what your interest, we’ve got a camp for you!

Central Methodist University Concert Band
by Ted House


First United Methodist Church is delighted to have the opportunity to host the Central Methodist University Concert Band on Saturday evening, March 12th for a 7:00 p.m. concert.  The 70 member ensemble will also provide the music for worship services on Sunday morning, March 13th. 

The performances will feature classical transcriptions, contemporary band works, solos and ensembles, and stirring marches performed as only the CMU Band does.  The Sunday morning worship service will include beautiful arrangements of favorite sacred selections and congregational hymns accompanied by the band.  Be prepared for a wonderful worship experience you will never forget as the CMU Band offers praise to the Lord through the gift of music.

FUMC members are asked to provide housing for two band members on Saturday evening, March 12th or to bring a dessert for the lunch on Sunday, March13th.  Please contact the church office  (636)947-0066 if you can help.

Central Methodist University is Missouri's only United Methodist related institution of higher education.  Several members of FUMC attended CMU as did Pastors Debby Bartley and Adam Caldwell.  The CMU Band includes FUMC member John Critchlow, who is completing his sophomore year at Central majoring in music education.  The Concert Band is celebrating its 100th anniversary tour in 2011."

Jake's Journey "On the Move"
by Julie Pallardy


Jake's Journey, a special needs ministry at FUMC is up and running. This program is open to children, youth, and adults. It is personalized for all participants.

One part of the program runs from 9:15 – 12:15 every Sunday Morning. Another part of the program includes making accommodations so that individuals can participate in all the programs and activities of at FUMC.

The program is fortunate to have volunteers and paid staff with many years experience working in the public school special needs programs. Please spread the word about he program. Thanks to those who have already spoken to Rev. Debby Bartley about volunteering. If you want to volunteer or if you know of someone who would benefit from the program please contact Rev. Bartley at (636)947-0066 , ext. 124.

CHRYSALIS FLOURNEY #11 COMING SOON!
by Joan Crenshaw


A Chrysalis “Flourney” (that’s Flight + Journey) is coming soon! The Girls Flourney #11 will be held Feb. 18-20 at the First UMC, Jefferson City, MO.

Chrysalis is a spiritual experience for youth that desire a closer relationship with Christ. Participants, known as “caterpillars,” are challenged to grow in their Christian experience through home, church, work, and community. Young people age 15 -24 years old are eligible.

Please consider this as an invitation to participate! Applications are available on www.moechrysalis.org. Talk to Nancy or any youth that has attended for more information. GET YOUR APPLICATION IN TODAY!

Music Notes
by Dan Fry


On Wednesday, January 26, we had a Chancel Choir open house, and were happy to have one guest join us.  We had a fun rehearsal and heard from several choir members the role choir plays in their lives.  Could this be you in the future?  We are in need of additional singers to make a commitment to our choirs which sing at 9:30/11 and especially the 8 am choir.  Chancel Choir rehearses from 7-8:30 on Wednesdays in Room 104, and the 8 am choir rehearses at 7:30 on Sunday mornings in the same location.  It is NOT required that you read music, all that is needed is a positive spirit, a willingness to learn, and being able to be present for rehearsal and presentation at the service as often as you are able.  The choir will be preparing Dale Wood's Service of Darkness, a well known setting of choral meditations, for Good Friday, and whether you are singing or not, you will want to be there for that moving musical presentation.

Methusiasm our youth choir continues to welcome new members as well, this group rehearses most Sundays at 5:30 in Room 104.

Please contact Daniel Fry if you have any questions at 636.947.0066, x 125.  There will be additional choir "open houses" in the future, please check your bulletin or this column for information

Summer and Fall Registration Begins February 7 For FUMC Preschool and Mother's Day Out (MDO)
by Kerri Johnson

It is time to register for the Summer and Fall Preschool and MDO programs. The Preschool has classes for children 3 years old through 5 years old and the MDO program serves children aged 6 weeks to 4 years old.

The Summer session for the Preschool and MDO will be six weeks from June 7 to June 23 and July 12 to July 28 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children may attend the Summer session 1, 2, or 3 days per week.

During the school year, the Preschool provides classes from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. two days per week for 3 year old children and three days per week for 4 and 5 year old children. In addition, the Preschool has an extended day program for the students called Lunch Bunch which meets from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The MDO program is in session Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and children may attend 1, 2, or 3 days per week.

Early registration for the Summer program and for the Fall school year will begin on February 7 for members of FUMC and current Preschool and MDO families. Registration will be opened to the public on February 14. Please contact Sally Jacobsen, Preschool Director, or Kerri Johnson, MDO Director if you have any questions or would like to enroll your child. The Preschool and MDO phone number is 636-947-9380.

Coming Soon and Very Soon
Patti Raposo


The next Kairos Prison Ministry weekend will be held May 12-15, 2011, at Potosi Correctional Center, Potosi, Missouri. Team meetings will be held at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 22761 Telegraph Road, St. Louis, MO, 63125.

Greg Nelson, a member of First United Methodist Church in St. Charles, will be the Team Leader for this upcoming Kairos #2 weekend.

For more information about this ministry, go to www.kairosprisonministry.org or go to www.kairos-potosi.com. Feel free to contact church office for questions regarding specific information about the upcoming weekend. You are being called to minister to the “least of them” (Matthew 25:31-46).






A Look Ahead

FUMC Feb. Calendar

Feb. 11-12th i-Lead Retreat

Feb. 13th EnterLife Pot Luck

Feb. 14th SAM Luncheon

Feb. 18th Chrysalis Flourney #11

Feb. 19th Healthy Communities

Feb. 25 & 26th Confrimation Bishops Days

Mar. 4-6th Youth Dinner Theater

Mar. 12th Central Methodist University Band Concert

Mar. 24th Mystery Mission Bible Study

Mar. 27th- Apr.4th Spring Mission Trip

Apr. 16th 1 By Youth Service Day

May 13th Confrimation Dinner




Deaths
Our deepest sympathies are extended to the families of those who have died recently:
  • Myron, Mary, Matthew, Mirna, Rev. Mark, Yanela, Samuel, Alejandro and Joaquin Sheets, at the death of Myron’s Mother and Matthew and Rev. Mark’s grandmother, and Samuel, Alejandro and Joaquin’s great grandmother, Ethel Sheets, who died on 01/29/2011.
  • Maurice Helmich and family, at the death of his sister, Ruth Helmich, on 01/30/2011.
  • Charles Johnston and Judy Fredericks, at the death of Charles’ wife and Judy’s Step Mother, Ruth Johnston, who died on 02/7/11.
  • Betty Wertz, member of our congregation, who passed away 2/8/2011.
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Comments? Thoughts? Let us know.

Articles to be included in the February 23rd Spire are due in the Church Office by Wednesday, February 16th. 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)
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First United Methodist Church
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St. Charles, MO 63301

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