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The Spire - semimonthly publication of FUMC. A publication of
First United Methodist Church
St. Charles, MO
March 9, 2011
Vol. 40, No.5
www.fumcstcharles.org

Why Be Average?
By Rev. Robin Roderick

As the radio show Prairie Home Companion ends its monologue about a fictional town, Garrison Keillor says, "Where the women are strong, the men are good looking, and the children are all above average."

What if we asked Jesus to help us become above average children of God? The average person in the U.S. says they are religious or spiritual, yet only 17% are in a community of faith for worship each week. Why be average? And that certainly blows away our idea that there is no one to invite to worship, no way to fulfill our vow to witness.

The average giving unit (family or individual) of the church gives no identifiable offering to the ministries of the church. Why be Average? Struggles with money, while common, distract from and drain our energy away from the mission.

The average family in our church attends one hour, giving up either worship or a time of study which is vital to being discipled. Why be average? If an hour on Sunday morning is all you can do, where are you finding ways for intentional faith development?

The average mainline protestant church is declining, losing a zest for worship, study, fellowship, mission and inviting others into a life with Jesus. Why be average?

Indeed why settle for a less than faith when we worship the God who shares unlimited power; Jesus who lives today; the Holy Spirit which gives us guidance, wisdom courage?

We have been graced with greater than average resources in people, building, brains, strength, and assets. This Lenten season may we be led in a journey which is anything but average and be more than we've been for the love of Jesus.

Are you a Caring Person?
By Dulcie Couillard


If so, would you please consider being a part of the ministry that relates to those who have lost a loved one? As Christians, We are called to minister to others on behalf of Christ. We each have different gifts for doing this. If you would like to become part of our outreach to the grieving, please contact Rev. John Ray, Dulice Couillard, or Mergie Adams at the church office (636)947-0066

Holy Thursday and Good Friday Transportation
By Ly Syin Lobster

Bus transportation is available for both our Holy Thursday and Good Friday services. If you would like to ride, please call the church office at (636) 947-0066 no later than Wednesday, April 13, and we will add your name to the list. Once we know who is riding and determine the bus's route, we will call you to let you know what time you will be picked up.

Mark your calendar for April 13 and plan to join Mission Possible as we come together as a church to support this mission.

Butter Braids
by Jill Nactrab

Who: United Methodist Women of FUMC

What: Selling Butter Braids, delicious frozen pastries available in assorted flavors

When: Between services on Sundays March 13, 20 and 27 (9:00-9:30 and 10:30-11:00) Pick-up will be on Saturday April 9 from 9:00- 10:30 a.m.

Where: In the Atrium

Why: Proceeds benefit mission work locally and abroad

Thank you for your support of women, children and youth!

Music Notes
by Dan Fry

As we transition into Lent, we enter into one of the richest periods of the church year for music.

Chancel Choir is preparing a wonderful piece by Dale Wood, his Service of Darkness, choral meditations on the Seven Last Words of Christ, which will be presented during the service on Good Friday, April 22nd, at 7 pm. 

This would be a wonderful chance for anyone looking to see what choir is about to come join us for this piece.  We will be rehearsing it from approximately 7:10-7:40 each Wednesday evening in the choir room.  This rehearsal time will increase as we get closer to Holy Week.  Please consider this possibility as a way to see if choir might be a way in which you can serve others.

Celebration Singers continues to offer songs of praise upon occasion during the service and sings a variety of praise-oriented music, from spirituals to more contemporary works, both at church and at other events.  This group rehearses at 7 pm on Sunday, typically on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month.

Methusiasm will be singing at the Easter Sonrise Service again and now would be a great time to come on board to prepare for that important Sunday in the church year.  All middle and high school youth are invited to sing.  We rehearse in Room 104 from 5:30-6:30 on Sundays.  Please feel free to contact Dan Fry at the church with any questions, at 636.947.0066, x 125.

Confrimation
by Nancy Cooper

Confirmation is under way! Each Wednesday night 14 students are digging into our faith beliefs, our church history, and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. They also had a field trip in February which included a Shabbat service at Temple Israel, spending the night at a local UMC church with 150 other UM youth, getting up early and going to Mass at the St. Louis Cathedral, learning about The Bridge ministry at Centenary UMC, visiting Assumption Greek Orthodox Church and finally, having communion and worship with our Bishop Robert Schnase.

It was a busy time with lots of learning topped off with a trip to the City Museum for some fun. The students will also be going on retreat the end of April and then will join the church at their Confirmation service on May 15th. I hope you will join me in praying for these students as they consider fully what it means to follow in the way of Christ.

Youth Summer Mission Trips
by Nancy Cooper

Planning has begun and funds are being raised for youth to participate in missions this summer. Thanks to a lot of hard work, Dinner Theater was a success and raised part of the money for these trips. The middle school students will be traveling to Springfield, MO this year to work with local agencies and the senior high group will be headed to Windsor, MO to help a sister congregation there. Projects are still being planned so we don't know exactly what our work will be yet, but we do know we'll do our best to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Youth in grades 8-12 will also have the opportunity to attend Youth 2011, our quadrennial gathering of United Methodist Youth. Since this event happens only every 4 years, most youth only get an opportunity to attend once. This year it is being held at Purdue University and will be filled with ways to engage youth with their faith. For more information about any of these trips, contact Nancy Cooper at (636)947-0066 ext. 114.

Social Action of United Methodist Women
by Kate Katzer

As the Lenten season approaches, the United Methodist Women prepare for reflection on the work of the “Bread for the World” organization. We will be collecting donations for “Bread for the World” at each Lenten Lunch held at our church.

What is “Bread for the World”? It is a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad. Churches, Christian organizations, and a broad spectrum of faith communities work together to end hunger far beyond the boundaries of our local communities in which we live. Each year, “Bread for the World” invites churches across the country to take up a nationwide offering of letters to Congress on an issue that is important to hungry people. The call to speak our collective voice is imperative.

In the last ten years, “Bread for the World” has increased U.S. funding to poverty stricken countries by $20 billion. The biggest impact has been in Africa, where fifteen countries reduced poverty, expanded education and healthcare, improved governance, and experienced rapid economic growth. Americans have benefited from funding for poor families that has expanded from $33 billion in assistance to $80 billion.

“Bread for the World” is focusing on three initiatives in their three year plan. Reducing hunger and strengthening food security in poor countries is the first initiative. A program to end child hunger in America is the second initiative. On December 2, 2010, the Hunger-Free Kids Act was passed into law giving more children access to school breakfast programs, summer meal sites, and after-school supper programs. A tax credit for low-income working families was also passed. The third initiative in the three year plan is to create more and better development assistance. Currently, development policies and programs are scattered across twelve departments, twenty-five agencies, and sixty government offices. A more efficient assistance program along with better coordination and accountability translates into faster and more effective help to those who need it.

Please help “Bread for the World” by praying, writing to Congress, and engaging your church in programs to fight hunger. “Blessed is he who has regard for the weak.” Psalm 41:1a

Kairos Prison Ministry Presentation at UMW Unit Meeting
by Kate Katzer


Dave and Pattie Raposo will soon give a presentation to the church about the Kairos prison ministry. They have been involved in the ministry for several years and have valuable information to share with us. The presentation will be at a United Methodist Women‘s Unit meeting on Thursday, April 28 at 7 pm in Asbury hall. Everyone, regardless of membership, is invited to attend. Desert will be served by the United Methodist Women.

Kairos is a Greek word pronounced ki’ros and means “ God’s Special Time. Kairos is an international Christian Ministry that nurtures the spiritual needs of incarceration. Kairos are called by God to share the love of Christ with those impacted by incarceration. Kairos encourages believers from a variety of Christian traditions to be volunteers in this Christ- filled ministry. Kairos programs offer the opportunity to receive God’s Forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ and to grow in their faith in Christian community.

The Next Kairos weekend will be May 12-15 at the Missouri State Penitentiary at Potosi. Greg Nelson, a member of our church, is the Team Leader for #2. For more information please visit www. Kariros-potosi.com. Come and learn more about this important ministry!

Graduation Edition
by Ly Syin Lobster


Attention all December 2010 and May/June 2011 High School and College Graduates! We want to honor you in the “Graduation Edition” of the Spire on June 22. Please give us your full name, the full name of the school from which you are graduating, your future plans, and a wallet-sized picture. Please submit your information to lysyin_fumcstcharles@yahoo.com or to the Church Office by Wednesday, June 1.

DVD Grant
by Rev. Debby Bartley


On Sunday, March 20, Warren Meyer, a representative of the Missouri United Methodist Foundation, will present us with a $2,000 ministry grant during the 11:00 a.m. worship service.  We received the grant in response to our request for assistance in helping us begin a DVD ministry to provide DVD's of our worship services to those unable to attend worship, such as our shut-ins and those residing in residential care facilities.

Estate Planning
by Rev. Debby Bartley


Join us for a lively discussion of timely and helpful estate and gift planning information on March 20, 2011 at 12p.m. in room 301. Warren J. Meyer representative of Missouri United Methodist Foundation, will lead us through an informative discussion of these and other important life planning topics. Lots of free printed materials will be available as well.

Join us to learn about:
  • Basic estate planning
  • Tax-wise giving
  • Charitable remainder trusts How you can leave a legacy at FUMC

    Missouri Conference Health Ministry Workshop (Healthy Communities)
    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:


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

    Free Car Wash (Boy Scout Troop 754)
    by Greg Nelson

    Troop 754 is having a Feed The Hungry Car Washathon. Anyone who donates brings a donation of canned goods for our food bank gets a free car wash. The date is March 20. The time is 12:30 PM until 4:30 PM. The location is behind FUMC. Rain check two weeks later. We are asking all supporters of our troop to help by pledging from one to five cents donation to the troop for every car we wash. Pledge forms are available in Sunday School classes or call Greg Nelson at 318-235-0402 to make a pledge. Money raised will help us get our boys to Summer Camp in July.






    		• A Look Ahead

    FUMC March Calendar

    March 14th- Sam Luncheon

    March 16th- Lenten Lunches

    March 24th- Mystery Mission Bible Study

    March 27- Apr. 5- Spring Mission Trip

    April 2nd- Healthy Communites

    April 3rd- Children & Youth Sunday School Open House

    April 16-1- By Youth Service Day

    April 17th- Easter Egg

    April 21st- Holy Thursday Service

    April 22nd- Service of Darkness (Seven Last Words)

    May 12-15- Karios at Potosi Correctional Center

    June 27-July-1 Vacation Bible School




    Deaths
    Our deepest sympathies are extended to the families of those who have died recently:
    • Jane Grayson and family, at the death her Aunt Esther.
    • Nancy Cooper, at the death of her Uncle, Robert Bartel, on 3/3/2011
    • Scott, Barbara and Ryan Magrew andErin and Brain Gaddis, at the death of Scott's father and Ryan and Erin's grandfather, Neal Magrew who died on 2/21/2011
    • Verniece(Vee) Meyer, former member of 60 years, who died on 2/21/2011.
    • Ed and Nancy Olson, at the death of Ed's Mother Beulah Olson on 2/21/2011.

    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 March 23rd Spire are due in the Church Office by Wednesday, March 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)
    Download the PDF of the March 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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