Page 12

PA I D News & Views

Permit No. 2950

by God.
element of humanity created
status, health status, and any
orientation, socio-economic
race, ethnicity, sexual
tion people of any age, gender,
We welcome to this congrega-
God.
people created in the image of
recognize the diversity of
As a people of faith, we
A VISIBLE SIGN OF CHRIST’S PRESENCE IN OUR URBAN COMMUNITY AND BEYOND
St. Louis, MO
U.S. Postage
Non-Profit

A monthly publication of Lafayette Park United Methodist Church ◊ September 2009

A church without walls, creating a visible sign of Christ’s presence in our urban community and beyond

Happenings at
LPUMC Youth Mission team offers helping
Labor Day
Sept. 7
hands for tornado cleanup
Church Council

Lafayette Park United Methodist Church

Sept. 10, 7 p.m.
Homecoming
Sept. 13

Sept. 26
Sept. 10
www.lp-umc.org Adventures in Faith
On the Web

Sept. 17

●
8:00a Family Friendly Service
Adult Confirmation
News & Views

Class Begins

Church Council
Mission Blitz!
Sept. 17
Mission Blitz!
Sept. 26

11:00a Fellowship Hour (fellowship hall)

LPUMC News & Views– September 2009

Sun School - 9-9:50
Adult, Kids & Teens

Youth and Kids Sunday School

Save the Date…

10:00a Traditional Worship
classes

Join us this Sunday…

LAFAYETTE PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

This Issue
of a person who is HIV+ or has AIDS,
Return Service Requested

LPUMC's 2009 Youth Mission Team worked in Theodosia, Missouri, painting and
If you are HIV+ or have AIDS,
or are the friend or loved one

you ARE welcome at LPUMC!

Wilder View 2
cleaning up after recent season of tornado and ice storms. The team is shown here
with Helen Keith after spending the day clearing her yard of downed tree limbs
Check It Out 4
and debris. Shown with Helen is Grace Shortall and Jonah Durbin (front row), and


Oct. 3-9
Sept. 13
9:00a Adult Sunday School

Earth Care Column 4 Doug Counts, Pastor Sharon, Kelly Hadley, Joel Kichline, Olivia Isom, and August
Jenks (left to right, back row).
LPUMC Classes 6
Participate in Mission Blitz on September 26
Homecoming Sunday
2300 Lafayette Avenue

VIM Trip, Juarez, MX

New Faces 8
St. Louis, MO 63104

We have been invited to take part in a voice of Christ in our communities. So

Calendar 10 Mission Blitz coming September 26th. far, they have over 100 churches that
The idea comes from Trinity UMC in have committed to participate in 9 differ-
314.771.9214

Time with Sharon 11

Bloomfield, Missouri. Their vision is ent states.
to organize 10,000 people in mission
together, being the hands, feet, and (continued on page 3)

Lafayette Park United Methodist Church 2300 Lafayette Avenue St. Louis, MO 63104 314-771-9214
Page 2
CHURCH
CONTACTS
Church Office Hours
Monday - Friday
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
314-771-9214
Pastor
Rev. Kathleen Wilder
lppastor@sbcglobal.net
Associate Pastor
Sharon Kichline
lpassociate@sbcglobal.net
Church Secretary
Maria Lawrence
M-F 9:00 a.m. - Noon
lpsecretary@sbcglobal.net
Newsletter Editor
Janet DePasquale Whiteaker
lpnewsletter@sbcglobal.net
Newsgroup
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lpumc
WebMaster
Chris Finley
chrisdfinley@sbcglobal.net
Preschool Director
Edna Coleman
lppreschool@sbcglobal.net
Youth Director
The Gospel Rockers
Chad Johnson
lpyouth@sbcglobal.net
News & Views
Editor
Janet DePasquale Whiteaker
Newsletter Production
Bob & Jeris Beane
Sunday Bulletin Production
Betty Disbennett
Mary Disbennett
Lafayette Park United Methodist Church 2300 Lafayette Avenue St. Louis, MO 63104 314-771-9214
LPUMC News & Views September 2009 Page 11
Sharing Time with Sharon: Risk-
Risk-taking Adventure
From the... Recently, my family and I took a vacation to the
Great Smokey Mountain National Park in Tennessee.
“Adventurous encounters with people”. Lafayette
Park UMC engages in “adventurous encounters with
Do you feel it? There is an other, while strengthening our
We stayed in a cabin people” when we
extra energy and a certain ex- love relationship with God.
there, and enjoyed the build houses in Juarez,
citement in the air, and it hap- There are several choices for you
sights and sounds of a Mexico, send emissar-
pens every year. It is the begin- to choose from; Basic Bible
beautiful forest. We ies to build relation-
ning of the ‘Back to School Sea- Study, an Adult Confirmation ships in Mozambique,
also did what I will
son.’ Everyone gets a chance at Class, and Enough (learning to feed hungry people at
refer to as “The crazi-
a new start. With this new ex- live simply in a complex world.) est thing I may have The Bridge, and offer
perience, there are new changes Please prayerfully consider par- our Hands In Mission
ever done in my life”.
for everyone. ticipating in one of these three It has a name. rehabbing buildings in
As our children move into new options to develop and ZORBING. our local community
levels of learning at school, we strengthen your faith. Zorbing is when through the United
will be offering a new learning In October, I will begin a you dive head-first Methodist connection.
opportunity for our adults with Leadership Development team into a giant rubber ball But there are also less
our Adventures in Faith ex- training time that will help us that is suspended in- physical ways that we
perience starting September think beyond our horizons to see side another giant ball, embark upon mission
17th. We will meet on Thursday how we can reach out to the and then topple down adventures. When we
evenings for 6 nights and offer people in St. Louis. We will read a hill while sliding devote 45 minutes a
week to read with a
several choices of learning op- a book a month from October around in about 10
portunities. The goal of this time through May. We will gather to gallons of cold water inside. You bounce and slosh, and child at the elementary school, or we tell funny stories
together is to provide opportuni- discuss the parts of the books find yourself swishing around like you’re in a washing to children in our Pumpkin Patch, or we assist under-
machine set on the “super turbo” wash cycle. And yes, privileged folks as they pick out presents at the King-
ties for people to connect and that excite and interest us, as
you pay for this experience. dom House Christmas Shop, we are stepping out of our
build relationships with each well learning how we can apply
While I was on my downhill ride, thoughts went daily routine, and offering ourselves to another, not
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! screaming through my mind. Mostly, it was “YIKES!
WHAT WAS I THINKING?!” But it was exhilarating
knowing what will happen, but trusting that God will
make something good of it. We can find ourselves
• Thank you to all who helped with the Hands in Mission and the Habitat too, and I felt so alive! When I reached the bottom, the feeling closer to God, emotionally exhilarated, and
freshly alive! Now that’s an adventure!
for Humanity projects this summer. You have accomplished a great attendant opened my zorb, and found me laughing with
This September 26th, we will be stepping out in risk
deal in making the world a better place. delight (ok-and a little relief). What an adventure!
• Thanks to all who helped with the youth mission trip. You know there just seems to be something both -taking mission and service again. As part of Mission
• Thanks to our new youth council for their leadership and excitement. scary and wonderful about adventure. We sometimes Blitz, we will join a vision for 10,000 people of faith to
take all kinds of risks in our pursuit of experiencing reach out to their community in big and small ways,
• Thanks to all for your prayerful support, childcare, and wonderful
something new and life affirming. That’s what risk- making a difference for Christ’s sake. Unlike my ex-
meals, while Jim has been recuperating from his broken vertebrae.
taking mission and service in the church is about. Step- perience in the zorb, you will be more than just wet and
• Thank you to the Boutique for your gracious presence during the week.
ping out, taking a risk, putting ourselves in a new place, giddy. The adventure of loving God through loving
• Thank you to the Richard, John, Mike, Sonny, and George for the great
work you have done in highlighting the beauty of the church through
with new people, doing something that we’re not all others will leave you drenched in God’s Spirit, filled
together sure about. Our bishop, Robert Schnase, wrote with wonder, and changed forever.
the landscaping changes.
about it in his book, Five Practices of Fruitful Congre- Look for more information for how you can jump into
• Thank you to Bill Byrd and Chad Johnson for your help on our day of Mission Blitz on September 26th. I hope you will join
gations. He said risk-taking ministry “moves us beyond
weddings. me in a new “adventurous encounter”!
our comfort zone, and presses us to follow Christ into
News & Views is published monthly. Submit any information or articles by more adventurous encounters with people. As we do so,
the 17th of each month to lpnewsletter@sbcglobal.net. For other informa- Peace,
God’s Spirit changes us, changes others, and changes
tion, contact Janet DePasquale Whiteaker at 588-9604 or the Church Office. our church.” Pastor Sharon
Lafayette Park United Methodist Church 2300 Lafayette Avenue St. Louis, MO 63104 314-771-9214
 Page 10 LPUMC News & Views September 2009 Page 3

Calendar Stephen Ministers: The After People

Sept. 7 Labor Day, church offices closed
• after the phone call you hoped you’d
never get
Wilder View Mission Blitz
(continued from page 1)
Sept. 10 Church Council meeting, 7 p.m. • after the divorce papers have been these lessons to the ministries of child care staff to make sure that
the church. I am really excited we are always in safe sanctuary What we do is up to us. We
Sept. 13 Homecoming Sunday served and the bottom falls out of
about these books. I think they compliance of having two safe could pick up trash in a park, re-
your life visit one of our HIM sites and do
Sept. 13 Men’s Breakfast, 9 a.m. can help us make great strides in sanctuary certified people caring
• after the doctors have said, “There is connecting people with God. for our children during worship and some more construction work, go
Sept. 17 “Adventures in Faith” begins nothing more we can do.” Also we have some exciting other church meetings. Please to the fire and police department
If you would like to be a Stephen Minister, the ap- new people joining us to build with treats, or to the nursing home
Sept. 17 Adult Confirmation class begins welcome Latoya and Marie Claire
plication deadline is 9/15. Please contact Becky and hospital with cards of care.
stronger ministries at Lafayette (you will see more information on
Sept. 26 Mission Blitz! Mueller with your interest at 314-521-0393. The possibilities are endless! What
Park UMC. Aaron Ban will be them in another article). do you think we should do? Call
Sept. 27 Men’s Breakfast, 9 a.m. (“Gospel Rockers” continued from page 8) joining us as an intern from I am excited also to announce me with your ideas!
Eden. He will be focusing on that Maria Lawrence has joined our You will be hearing more about
for the pastors and their families, visit shut-ins, creating our young adult ministry staff as our new Office Administra-
and assist seniors with household chores. this at worship and through the
A Look Ahead... and helping us build a connec- tor. Her normal hours will be 9am internet. If you haven’t signed up
The day ended with forming a Youth Council.
tion between our church and St. to noon, Monday thru Friday. for the yahoo group yet, send an e-
Oct. 3-9 Operacion HOGAR; Juarez, Mexico Officers for the youth group were elected; creat-
Louis University. I have worked God truly is doing great and mail (no subject line and no mes-
ing the Youth Council. We congratulate Jonah
Oct. 19 Leadership Development class with Aaron for the last year over amazing things at Lafayette Park sage text) to lpumc-
Durbin, President and Andy Wilder, Secretary/
begins Treasurer on being the first officers of the Youth at The Bridge and have found UMC! I hope you join us in this subscribe@yahoo.com/group/
Council. him to be deep, thoughtful and great opportunity to grow and ex- lpumc/ and follow the “join” links.
Oct. 20 Charge Conference If you would like to know how you can help creative. He preached here at pand the impact we can make in You can also visit our website at
with assist The Gospel Rockers, please call Chad the beginning of the summer our community. www.lp-umc.org.
Johnson @ 314.602.0318 or email at and many of you told me how Happy new start!! For now, circle September 26 on
impressed you were with him. your calendar, and plan to REACH
Scriptures for lpyouth@sbcglobal.net.
We have also expanded our Pastor Kathleen OUT that day with your friends

September September and family at LPUMC!

Covenant Partners ~~~ Many more thanks! ~~~

• Thank you to the WCDANS for your support of sending our ambassador to Mozambique.
September 6 • Thank you to the WCDANS who make the wonderful banners for our baptisms. They are so very special.
September 6 Union Memorial Rev. Kevin Kosh • Thank you to Steve Coffey, Jeff Jensen, and Jack Hawk for your faithful support of the audio and visual minis-
Proverb 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 Psalm 125
University Rev. Linda Harris try of the church.
James 2:1-10, 14-17 Mark 7:34-37
September 13 • Thank you to the Stephens Minister for your quiet healing presence in the lives of the people in our church and
September 13 (Homecoming Sunday) community.
Valley Park Rev. John Harpole
Proverbs 1:20-33 Psalm 19 • Thank you for the Visiteam who help encourage and support our community in both hospitals and their homes.
Village Church/ Rev. Michelle McGhee
James 3:1-12 Mark 8:27-38 • Thank you for our summer reading tutors. Your impression upon the lives of the children in our community is
Christ Community significant.
September 20
Proverb 31:10-31 Psalm 1
September 20 • Thank you to those who contributed desserts to bless the Siegel teachers as they started a new school year.
James 3:13-4:3 Mark 9:30-37 Webster Hills Rev. Scott Hall • Thank you to all who stepped in to cover for me while I was away on vacation and as I have been working re-
Zion Rev. Jack DeWees motely to care for Jim and our family.
September 27
September 27 • Thank you to those who have shared their musical gifts with us this summer in worship.
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10, 9:20-22 Psalm 124
James 5:13-20 Mark 9:38-60 Arlington Rev. Mary Harvey • Thank you to all who have worked to make our new youth space safe and attractive.
• Thank you to Bridget Cartwright for her beautiful calligraphy on the Baptismal Certificates.
Asbury/Cleveland Rev. Frances Penn
Lafayette Park United Methodist Church 2300 Lafayette Avenue St. Louis, MO 63104 314-771-9214 Lafayette Park United Methodist Church 2300 Lafayette Avenue St. Louis, MO 63104 314-771-9214
Page 4
Men’s Breakfast
2nd and 4th Sundays
after 8 a.m. service
Website Update
Continue to look for updates on
the website. Checkout the Yahoo Aluminum cans for Recycling
photo pages. Comments? Con- Look for can collection bin in
tact Chris Finley at
chrisdfinley@sbcglobal.net.
2 Register your Macy’s card at
8 a.m. Grace
Praise Service -
Try the early,
contemporary service.
Earth Care: Cutting your energy costs nearly in half
There is nothing that says being
good stewards of the
earth can’t benefit you
personally! Here are
some simple things that
any individual can do to
realize huge savings on
long-term energy costs:
1. Save 10% or more on
your energy costs simply
by plugging any air leaks
around your windows and doors.
With Fall coming up now is the
Administrative
Church Council: Daron Smith
Board of Trustees: Steve Coffey
Publicity: Debra Crowe
Finance: Bethany Spaulding
Treasurer: Sherry Owens
Finan. Secretary: Maria Lawrence
Lay Leadership: Sharon Domke
Parish Relations: Sheryl Smothers
Lafayette Park United Methodist Church 2300 Lafayette Avenue St. Louis, MO 63104 314-771-9214
CHECK IT OUT!
Inkjet and Toner Cartridges and the parking lot.
Cell Phones for Recycling -
Don’t forget to bring these items Schnucks eScrip Card
to the church office! This helps
our environmental fundraiser.
perfect time to check all windows,
doors and cracks. Add or
replace caulk and weather-
strip cold air outside.
2. Replace your air filters.
Dirty air filters will cause
your furnace to work harder
than necessary, which can
increase your energy bills.
A clean furnace filter can
cut your heating bill by 5%
to 15%. It will also improve the air
quality in your home.
Ministry Teams at LPUMC
Program
Youth Ministries: Chad Johnson
Education: Marti Latimore
Outreach: Robin and Eric Merle
Missions: Nancy Thuer; Larry Heugatter
Worship: Jeff Jensen; Sue Meyers
Stewardship: Brenda Cook
Music: Kourtney Strade
LPUMC News & Views
Simple Fundraisers
1. Pick up a Schnucks eScrip
Community Card at a Schnucks
Service Desk or LPUMC office
2. Register the Card
3. Show the Card at Checkout
Macy’s Fundraising Card
https://secure.escrip.com/jsp/supporter/
authentication/password.jsp
When you make a purchase, a per-
centage will be donated to LPUMC as
a fundraiser.
3. Install a programmable thermo-
stat and you can save up to 15% on
your energy. to save up to $180 a
year in energy costs.
4. Choose ENERGY STAR appli-
ances and electronics. Products save
20% to 30% less energy than their
conventional counterparts to earn an
Energy Star label.
5. Upgrade your water heater to
save energy. Reducing the use of
(continued on page 9)
Other
Conference Lay Member: Jim McCorkle
United Methodist Women:
Historian: Tom Keay
Wills and Memorials: Larry Heugatter
Wedding Coordinator: Lynne Keay
September 2009 Page 9
Earth Care Column
(continued from page 4)
OUR WEEKLY SCHEDULE
hot water will help save energy.
Depending on your budget for Worship Service: SUNDAY 8 a.m. & 10 a.m.
upgrades, you may consider re- Children’s Church 10 a.m. service
placing a water heater with a more Communion: First Sunday of the Month
efficient one or adding a low cost
water heater jacket to help retain Sunday School 9 a.m. Adult. Teen & Kids - summer vacation
heat within the tank for longer
Service to our Community
periods of time. Depending on the
Preschool Weekdays at 9 a.m. during school year
hot water heater, you may have to
unhook your unit, drain it and rein- CHARIS Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
stall it, but you'll save 4% to 9% Boy Scouts Mondays at 7 p.m.
on your water heating bill with the Cub Scouts Every other Monday at 7 p.m.
jacket alone. Girl Scouts Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
If you need help with any of Recycling Aluminum (Blue bin outside)
these items, please contact one of Paper Recycling (Green bin outside)
our pastors. Members of the Cell Phones & Print Cartridges (Fellowship
Men’s Group and the Green Team
will be glad to help.
Stewardship for July
Centenary CARES’ Mission Brown Bags: 25 for July; 250 YTD
Attendance: 401
...to provide an avenue where human need and Ministry Gifts: $ 12,567.30
available resources can converge. Through a free- Designated: $ 4,270.75
Prayer Hours: 70 hours
meals program and providing access to other nec-
Service Hours: 23 hours
essary services, guests are treated as valuable hu-
mans of worth and given opportunity to work to- We have paid 100% of our District Appor-
ward self-sufficiency through cooperative partner- tionments and we are at 49% of our way to
ships with other community health and service
our Conference Apportionments.
agencies. Centenary CARES is dedicated to seek-
We are impacting lives in
ing paths of justice, dignity and respect for all
the state of Missouri and
marginalized people living in the downtown St.
around the world!
Louis community.
RMN MISSION STATEMENT: Reconciling Ministries Network is a national grass-
roots organization that exists to enable full participation of people of all sexual
orientations and gender identities in the life of the United Methodist Church,
both in policy and practice.
Lafayette Park United Methodist Church 2300 Lafayette Avenue St. Louis, MO 63104 314-771-9214
Page 8 LPUMC News & Views September 2009 Page 5

Our church welcomes new faces Meet “The Gospel “Good Sense” Financial Considerations
Rockers” - our Keep your eyes open. Keep each
Bethany
youth group! other's spirits up so that no one falls Tip of the Month:
Spaulding, behind or drops out.
On August 16, the Youth
Group (6th – 12th grade) of It says we should put our weapons to
Lafayette Park met in the CPA, CMA,
use – what does that look like? What
Keystone Chapel. This was
not your ordinary youth CCSA, CRP, are our weapons? One is love - it is a Take some time to ask God to
powerful force given to us by the One
meeting. This was where who is Love; our Creator. Walking in bring to your mind an area where
the leadership and the you may have been choosing death
The following scripture caught my love means doing things to consider
youth planned activities for instead of life - financially or in
eye this week, from The Message others that might be inconvenient or
the year. The group brain- seem silly. Picking up trash in a park- any other area God brings to mind.
version of the Bible:
stormed about fundraisers, ing lot, or helping pay for someone's Reflect on the truth of God's Word
We welcome Maria Lawrence as We welcome Latoya Thompson (left) and activities, Bible Study top- Ephesians 6:10-18 And that about grocery bill is walking in love, as is to help understand what it would
our new Church Secretary. Maria Mary Claire Kondro (right) to LPUMC. ics, and service projects. wraps it up. God is strong, and he being kind to someone who doesn't mean to choose life in that situa-
is a familiar face here at LPUMC. These ladies will be providing childcare for Before all of the ideas wants you strong. So take every- “deserve” that treatment. When we let tion, and then decide how/whether
Maria’s daughter and son-in-law, our children as we worship, participate in were on paper, everyone thing the Master has set out for the love of God well up inside, we you are willing to make a different
Alicia and Chris Greene and their meetings, and on Thursday evenings during thought about a name for you, well-made weapons of the can't help but share the good news of choice.
children, Elena, Jack, and Mimi are Adventures in Faith. the group. Those in atten- best materials. And put them to truth, peace, faith and salvation. Love
long-time members, and Maria and They both come to us with much experience dance came up with eight use so you will be able to stand up helps us to use our resources in a way Deuteronomy 30:15-16 (NLT) “Now
Charlie have joined them in wor- and enthusiasm. Latoya has worked with Girl possible names, just to to everything the Devil throws that brings honor to our God. listen! Today I am giving you a choice
ship with us on many occasions. Scouts of America, providing seminars to pro- name a few: St. Peter’s your way. This is no afternoon between life and death, between pros-
Maria brings to us her extensive Posse, God’s Gospel athletic contest that we'll walk Truth is an important weapon. What perity and disaster. For I command
mote self esteem and ways to prevent bully-
experience in business and office Group and The Lafayette away from and forget about in a happens when you know a truth and you this day to love the Lord your God
ing. Mary Claire works with students at the
work. We are so pleased to have Judevine Center for Autism, supporting indi- Losers. The name that was couple of hours. This is for keeps, you hear someone saying the oppo- and to keep his commands, decrees,
her with us. Her hours are Monday finally chosen was “The a life-or-death fight to the finish site? If you are like me, you bring it and regulations by walking in his
viduals in learning life skills. Please offer your
through Friday, 9am-noon. Come Gospel Rockers.” against the Devil and all his an- up! It should be the same in our indi- ways. If you do this, you will live and
greeting as they settle into the life of the
by and see her! Two of the areas that the gels. vidual lives. For instance, it is true that multiply, and the Lord your God will
church.
youth want to focus is rais- we have been adopted into God's fam- bless you and the land you are about to
Be prepared. You're up against far ily. When things look bad financially,
ing money to attend WOW enter and occupy.
more than you can handle on your we can speak out God's Word about
Wanted: Reading Mentors in Springfield Missouri
and service projects. The
own. Take all the help you can the situation - we are family now after We can choose a relationship with
get, every weapon God has is- all. Would a loving parent hang us out God leading to life and prosperity –
fundraisers the youth chose
sued, so that when it's all over but to dry? No! If we know the truth the truth - in our “land” so we can be a
Last year, a group of folks from LPUMC went to our to tackle are: a Trivia
the shouting you'll still be on your about God's plan for us, about God's shining light to others. One way we
neighbor, Hodgen Elementary School, and read with at-risk Night, a Car Wash, a Yasta
feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, desire to bless us so that we can bless can choose to occupy the land around
second graders. Because of the program's great success, we Dinner and hosting a Val-
faith, and salvation are more than others, then that can become our battle our life is by actively saying what God
have been invited back again to continue helping kids learn entine’s Day Dinner. Some
words. Learn how to apply them. cry instead of complaints or feeling says about our financial situations.
how to read better, and to be "encouragers" of their self confidence in school and life. of the service projects that
You'll need them throughout your sorry for ourselves. This weapon of truth is powerful, as is
We'll meeting once a week with our assigned student for only 30 minutes. Training the youth would like to do
life. God's Word is an indispensa- another weapon – prayer. It's time to
will be in late September, with the program to begin in October, on Tuesday and/or include cooking for Sha- This scripture makes it clear that we
ble weapon. In the same way, pray for God's plan and God's Word to
Thursdays from 12:30-1:00 p.m. A group from LPUMC is forming now. You do not lom House, cook dinner
prayer is essential in this ongoing must speak up; and take action to come to pass for ourselves, our
need to have teaching credentials. If God is calling you to become an reading mentor
warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray choose what God has for us - it's not church, our city and our country –
and "encourager”, contact Sharon at 566-0332 or at lpassociate@sbcglobal.net. (continued on page 10) going to happen on its own.
for your brothers and sisters. both financially and otherwise.

Lafayette Park United Methodist Church 2300 Lafayette Avenue St. Louis, MO 63104 314-771-9214 Lafayette Park United Methodist Church 2300 Lafayette Avenue St. Louis, MO 63104 314-771-9214
Page 6
“A visible sign of Christ’s presence in our urban community and beyond”
LPUMC hits ‘The Book’ with classes for all ages as a new school year begins
Stories of Faith
for Our Children
As our kids return to school, and
our children and youth will learn
great new things, how important that
we continue to teach them the sto-
ries of our faith, too.
We will kick off our new year in
Christian formation for our children
and youth on September 13. Please
plan to bring your family to church
at 9 a.m. to experience the stories of our faith through multi-sensory
learning. We’ll sing some, dance some, paint some, and pray some.
This will be a multigenerational experience with kids of all ages.
You are welcome to come and experience the stories of our faith!
Leadership Development class offers
great opportunities
A new opportunity to grow in your per-
sonal and church leadership skills will begin
on October 19.
This year, Pastor Kathleen will start a new
leadership development opportunity. We
will meet one Monday evening a month to
discuss a book we have read that
month. We will discuss the interesting
things we have learned by reading the book
and how we can use some of the informa-
tion to strengthen and grow our ministry to the city of St. Louis .
This will require a commitment to read eight different books and
to meet eight times between October and May. We will also have
an all-day retreat part of the way through the year to brainstorm and
plan how we will implement what we have learned at the church.
We will meet at Pastor Kathleen’s home from 6 – 8:30 p.m. on
those evenings; food and childcare will be provided. Please contact
Pastor Kathleen for more information and to let her know how
many to plan for. The eight books have been carefully chosen by
Pastor Kathleen. October’s book is How Full is Your Bucket? by
Tom Rath and Donald Clifton.
Lafayette Park United Methodist Church 2300 Lafayette Avenue St. Louis, MO 63104 314-771-9214
LPUMC News & Views September 2009 Page 7
Join the Adventures in Faith Series Adult Confirmation Class-
Starting September 17, we will begin a Coming Again!
new series of small groups to enable
us to learn, develop relationships, and
Last spring, we offered an adult version of a Confir-
grow in our faith. We will meet for
mation Class for those interested in learning more
six weeks on Thursday evenings. We
about how the United Methodist tradition fits into
will have a light supper available at 6
Christianity, how Lafayette Park UMC fits into our
p.m. to make it easier for people com-
world and community, our understandings of the sacraments, and what it means
ing from work. At 6:30, we will share
lowship with others while you to belong…to Christ and to this church.
a common devotion and prayer time.
work on it.) You will find a It was met with such interest that we’re going to do it again! We will be offer-
Then, from 6:45-8 p.m., you can
sign-up board in the sanctuary, ing Adult Confirmation/New Member Classes again during the Adventures in
choose to participate in one small
so please let us know where Faith evenings that will be meeting on Thursday nights, beginning September 17.
group faith adventure in one of four
your interests lie so that we can If you would like to be a part of this exploring experience, contact Pastor
areas of growth. Your group choices
have the appropriate study Sharon at 566-0332 or at lpassociate@sbcglobal.net to reserve your place at the
range from Basic Bible, Adult Confir-
mation, Enough – Living Simply in a guides for you. Or you can
complex world, to a Creation group. speak with a pastor or call the
church office at 772-9214.
All things are possible with God!
(Bring a creative project you have
wanted to work on and engage in fel- Child care will be provided. Bringing mosquito nets to all in Catembe, Mozambique
On Sunday morning August 23, at 3:13 a.m., this thought
bolted through my brain, and I think God was poking
Another Confirmation journey begins anew me. I wondered, ” Do the pastor and her family in
Those currently enrolled in 6th-9th grade (though those
Catembe have mosquito nets?” I admit, I do not know the
parameters are flexible) are invited to consider beginning answer. The question and answer dialogue continued to
their Confirmation journey this school year. Through a
include the UMW of Catembe UMC, and then the whole
series of eight gatherings beginning in February 2010, and congregation. Then there was a prompt of something that
several field trip experiences (yeah~ road trip!) we will ex-
had to be God, for it was far too big for me. “What if we
plore the Christian faith, United Methodism, and how to could show the people of Catembe in a tangible way how
change the world through our church. Do you want to talk about whether
much God loves them? What if we could give everyone in
this is the right time to be part of this experience? Contact Pastor Sharon at Catembe who needs a mosquito net one as an expression of God love?”
566-0332 or at lpasssociate@sbcglobal.net, and we’ll figure it out together.
So, friends, we have begun a new challenge. First, we are going to raise enough
money to make sure that everyone at our sister church in Catembe Mozambique has
There’s still time to join the choir… a mosquito net, and then we are going to help them in servant evangelism.
After some research, I discovered that we would need 718 nets to cover the con-
Choir meets every Wednesday from 7-8:30 p.m. and gregation and the city. We can do it! So if God prompts you in the near future to
childcare is provided. All kinds of voices are wel- donate to our mosquito net challenge, just drop a check to Lafayette Park with
come, big and small, deep and high, professional and “Catembe Nets” or “Catembe Mosquito Nets” in the memo line. I think this will be
just-for-fun. Come join us! If you have questions, an amazing experience for all of us.
please contact kstrade@heartlandhealthyvoices.com. So far, we have received pledges for 103 mosquito nets. We only have 615 to go!
Thanks for helping Lafayette Park UMC reduce the risk of malaria for a whole city!
Lafayette Park United Methodist Church 2300 Lafayette Avenue St. Louis, MO 63104 314-771-9214