FOLLOWING FAITH

FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

New Sunday School Format as

Faith takes a “jesus break”!

There is an exciting change coming to our children’s Sunday School programming beginning August 26th! “Jesus Break” is the name of the new program that will revolutionize the way Faith church educates our children ages 3 through 12 every Sunday. In the new program there will be two age groups only. Ages 4 through 7 will meet together in Room 302, ages 8 through 11 will meet in Room 201. Three year olds will meet in the Nursery for age appropriate Bible stories and music; 12 year olds will join the Junior High class in Room 208.

“Jesus Break” will offer Faith’s children a fun and engaging worship opportunity that is very different from the traditional classroom experience of Sunday School. Both age groups will begin their morning learning either a praise chorus or the first verse of a familiar hymn. Each song will be repeated every Sunday for a month so that the children come to know them well and have an appreciation for each style of worship music. An offering will be taken during this praise time as children will be encouraged to become good stewards for life. After 10 minutes of song, the children will discuss the dynamics of prayer and will enter into the presence of God in prayer for and with one another. It is our goal that public prayer becomes an easy and natural expression for our children throughout their lives.

After praying together, our new “Jesus Break” leaders will present a 15 minute Bible lesson where children of both groups will be given the opportunity to interact with the morning’s story through role-play, puppets, and other hands-on learning techniques. Every lesson will be taught on two consecutive Sundays but approached in two very different ways. It is our hope that this will help eliminate children missing important lessons because they could not be in church one Sunday, or because they did not connect with the story in a particular fashion. The rest of the children’s “Jesus Break” will be spent either in a craft project or game that supports each lesson.

Faith is blessed to have an excited and dedicated team to support this new ministry. Each age group of “Jesus Break” has two teams who will alternate leading classes each month. These teachers are putting a lot of time and energy into learning a new way to enhance our children’s spiritual growth. Whether you have children in our new program or not, please thank these teachers when you see them; they are answering a call that demands a lot of attention and benefits God’s kingdom as a whole. Faith’s new team of “Jesus Break” leaders are Kip and LuAnn Connor, Cyndi Woollard, Michelle Hayden, Chris Rosemann, Deb Spaulding, Diane Wilson, Kathy Allen, Karen Kelly, and Connie Schauf. (While you’re thanking teachers for all they do for Jesus, please don’t forget to thank our loving junior and senior high teachers: Chuck Allen, John Ottlinger, Betsy Farmer, and

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Sylvia Dollins! Thank too our new nursery attendants, Tiffany Rosemann and Michelle Hayden.)

It is our deepest prayer that our Lord will use “Jesus Break” to bring many children to Christ — not only children that are already part of Faith’s family, but children in our community who do not know Jesus. In addition to encouraging children to bring friends to “Jesus Break” with them every Sunday, the “Jesus Break” team will be passing out postcards to homes inviting children from our immediate neighborhood to join us on Sunday mornings. If you would like to get some exercise and help us grow our new program for Christ, please meet us Saturday, August 25th, at 10:00 a.m. in the church office. Thanks to everyone who supports Faith’s educational ministry through prayers, presence, gifts, and service. We look forward to seeing all that God’s going to do through our combined efforts in “Jesus Break”!

From the Parish Nurse . . .

It is heating up out there. If you are one of the folks with psoriasis, the heat is a good thing. Most people find that their skin improves with warm weather, however, the humidity can cause some problems. Psoriasis is a skin condition where your immune system gets too busy and produces skin cells too rapidly. This causes the red, silvery patches, dry cracked areas that cause the itching and burning sensations. There are many things that affect the skin condition and can be avoided to prevent flare ups.

According to the Internet, you should:

Use moisturizers.

Give yourself good skin care and scalp treatments.

Avoid medications like Lithium, beta blockers anti-arrythmics, and Indocin (for arthritis).

Avoid shaving abrasions, tattoos, or acupuncture.

Get some sun.

Decrease your stress level.

Avoid alcohol.

And as always, plan a good diet and get plenty of exercise. These two things always increase your chances of healthy situations.

If you are treating your skin condition and not getting the results you want, see your physician. There are many new types of medications that can treat the problem.

Happy Summer everyone!

Kathy Johnson, RN

Parish Nurse

GIVING OPPORTUNITY

Faith Church will sponsor the American Red Cross Blood Drive on August 5th. Please plan to participate in this lifesaving mission. The Red Cross appreciates you and they are looking forward to FUMC’s continued support.

The hours for the Blood Drive are 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. As in the past two years, the Blood Mobile will be on site. Please encourage your family members, neighbors, and friends to participate in this summer’s drive at the church. Contact Nancy Powers if you have questions (636-493-0024).

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY IS BUILDING THE METHODIST HOUSE

Faith has raised over $6,000 that will go towards the building of the “Habitat for Humanity — Methodist House.” This house will be 100 percent funded by United Methodist Churches in St. Charles County. To date these churches have raised over $60,000.

Now comes the building of the house. Since Faith is one of the main sponsors of this house, we will need to have as many people participate in the build as possible. The family will also be working on the house and will want to meet everyone that is making their house possible.

So, here is the question, “What can I do?” . . . . . . . . SIGN UP!!!!!! There are orange inserts in the church bulletin to sign up for various positions, from Greeters and Lunch to Crew Leaders and Tool Monitors. So, even if you are not talented with a hammer, you can still make a difference. If anyone is interested, please feel free to call Bill H.

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise;

give thanks to Him and praise His name.”

Psalm 100:4

In the Old Testament a thank offering represented an act of thanksgiving for answered prayer and blessings given. It expressed a voluntary desire on the part of the offer to thank God. Usually, thank offerings were given in gratitude for deliverance from sickness, trouble, or death. God was honored by thank offerings.

Today, because of Jesus, we do not have to sacrifice thank offerings in the same way. However, when we pray we should always remember to give thanks for His many blessings, in the midst of whatever circumstance we find ourselves. It is always appropriate to honor God and thank Him when we are blessed.

What kind of thank offerings will you make to God?

Love,

Jan P

Covenant Sunday

August 26, 2007

WORSHIP AS ONE

Sunday School, 9:00 a.m.

Worship, 10:15 a.m.

Lunch, 11:45 a.m.

Fellowship hall

If your last name begins with

A—G, please bring dessert

H—Q, please bring side dish

R —Z, please bring salad

Meat provided by church

Faith Foundations Class

Saturday, August 25, 2007

8:30 a.m., Chapel

If you have been following the Grand Sweep readings, recently we read in Isaiah 55 of another covenant — “Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.” (Isaiah 55:3) If you are like me, you probably asked “why another covenant?”

God made and sometimes renewed covenants with His people like we saw through Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, and others. Some covenants were conditional while others were unconditional. This covenant is often referred to as the “everlasting covenant” because it fulfilled God’s promise to David that Jesus would rule forever. Israel had broken the covenant given through Moses, but through this covenant the people were allowed once again to become God’s people.

The Covenant of Faith Church is an important part of membership. It serves as a guide as we daily try to live as members of God’s family and as a witness to those around us.

If you are planning to join Faith Church, or if you just want to know more about who we are, plan to attend the Faith Foundations class on Saturday, August 25th, beginning at 8:30 a.m., in the Chapel, with a continental breakfast. The session will end before 1:00 p.m. Please see Pastor Jeff, Rev. Kim, or Jan P if you have any questions.

HYMN STORY OF THE MONTH

“He Lives”, Page 310

“Why should I worship a dead Jew?” This is the question that prompted the writing of this hymn. A sincere young Jewish student asked Alfred Ackley this question after attending some evangelistic meetings.

Mr. Ackley responded with the following answer: “He lives! I tell you, He is not dead, but lives here and now! Jesus Christ is more alive today than ever before. I can prove it by my own experience, as well as the testimony of countless thousands.”

His vehement answer to the young man soon became a convincing sermon. After rereading the resurrection stories in the Gospels he sat down at the piano and voiced his belief in song. The hymn was first published in 1933 and is still a favorite hymn today.

Alfred Ackley was born in 1887 in Pennsylvania, studied music at the Royal Academy in London, was an accomplished cellist, and ordained to the Presbyterian ministry in 1914. He is credited with writing over 1,000 gospel songs and hymns. He died in 1960

CALL TO SERVICE

It is time once again for the choirs to begin rehearsals. We are in real need of additional musicians in all the choirs. Please prayerfully consider joining one or more of the choirs this year. Rehearsals for most of the choirs will begin after Labor Day. The Sanctuary Choir will begin rehearsals on August 29th.

We will have an informal gathering of the choirs on Wednesday, August 22nd at 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. This will be a pot luck meal with meat and drink provided. Please contact Cheryl Purcell by August 12th if you will be able to attend the gathering.

This year we will be trying something different with the Sanctuary Choir. We are offering Seasonal Memberships in the choir. If you feel you don’t have time to be in the choir for the whole year, how about for two months? During the Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter seasons, you are welcome to join the choir for one or both of these times. If you have any questions about any of the choirs or about being a seasonal member, please contact Cheryl Purcell. “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!”

August Grand Sweep

Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel

During August we will finish reading Jeremiah. How much prophecy do you think Jeremiah understood (see Chapter 23)? Do you think he knew he was prophesying about the Messiah? Jeremiah must have recognized that the coming king would be someone extraordinary and he may have connected these promises with his prophecies of a new covenant (see Chapter 31). However, there is little doubt that Jeremiah could see a coming day when a righteous branch would grow from David’s family tree — a branch that would stand against all the wicked branches.

Don’t get put off by the darkness in the Book of Lamentations. If you have experienced a significant loss, this book is for you. It is a beautiful book that reflects the pain of injustice and human loss and will bring you comfort and restoration. (Carefully read Chapter 2 — do you have a better understanding of why God allows innocent children to suffer?)

In Ezekiel you will find bizarre visions and puzzling revelations but don’t let that intimidate you. Beneath the surface you will find timeless lessons about God and His relationship with His people — He would rather forgive us than judge us. He remains faithful even if we do not. He can use anything or anyone to accomplish His greater good.

As you begin reading Daniel do you see how God does speak through visions and dreams? Visions and dreams are used throughout the Bible to communicate. God communicated through whatever means that would serve His purposes and, still today, He communicates in any way He chooses.

I know you are going to enjoy this month’s readings. You are going to see and experience God’s encouragement, faithfulness, and power.

Blessings to you dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Jan P

REV KIM’S NEW SCHEDULE

Rev. Kim is back in school full time along with continuing her duties at the church. This has necessitated a change in her work hours. They are as follows:

Mon — 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Tues — Off

Wed — 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (works from home)

Thurs — 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Fri — 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Sat — Off

Sun — 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Her schedule also includes all meetings, special events, weddings, funerals, and pastoral care.

CAMP ROUNDUP

Faith Church, a.k.a. all of you, financially supported five young people from the church so they could attend UMC Blue Mountain Camp this summer. The church was able to pay a little more than half of their fee.

When you see Hannah C, Clayton and Andrea N, Nick L, or Samantha W ask them about their camp experience. They all said they want to go back next summer!

Thank you to the United Methodist Women, adult Sunday School classes, and individuals who supported this effort. Keep in mind that next year you will have the opportunity to again help support our church campers!

Thanks again for your generosity.

What an exciting time it is for the Youth of Faith Church! Our mission trip to Hayti, Missouri, was a HUGE success. Everyone worked extremely hard and still had the energy to keep on giving each and every day. What a gift these kids are to our church family and our whole community. I count them in my blessings every day. We had a few “extras” on our trip this time. Mark and Vickey R, along with Rev. Kim, joined us — and we enjoyed them being a part of this trip and their help with everything was truly a blessing and huge asset to our endeavor. There just aren’t words to express our gratitude. Be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for the date of our annual Spaghetti Dinner in the fall — that’s when we’ll share our slideshow with pictures from this trip and the whole year, as well.

In August, we are planning to attend the rescheduled Campout at T. R. Hughes Ballpark, Home of the Rivercity Rascals. We’ll enjoy the game that night and then pitch our tents on the field. Should be a great time on August 11th.

Also, PLEASE sign up to help us out with out biggest yearly fund raiser. That’s right — the weekend of August 17-19 is the Festival of the Little Hills and once again we will be participating with our Ice Fund Raiser. Just let Mark or Vickey R or any Counselor know if you’re available to help out. Of course, we’ll be truly appreciative and you can count on a good time.

Last, but certainly not least, the last Sunday in August, during our normal Youth Group time (4:30), we’ll be enjoying our annual “Water Games!” This is the day that everyone “moves up” and our new youth join in. This year, due to changes in the St. Charles City School District, if you are beginning 5th or 6th grade, please know you are welcomed and encouraged to join our Youth Group. We hope to see lots of new faces, along with the old ones. Bring your friends. What an amazing and exciting year the upcoming one promises to be. Don’t miss the gifts of Christian friends and fun that God so wants us all to share.

Hop on the Bus Gus!!!!!

Love and Blessings to All,

Kyle and Jen Dooley

Planning for Faith’s 4th Annual Crafts and Collectibles Fair is on its way!

This year’s fair, set for October 27th, will include crafts, antiques, and other collectibles. This is one of the biggest ways that Faith reaches out to the community each year. The craft fair brings in about 70 vendors, most of whom are not church members. Each vendor receives a packet with information about the fair, but also information about our church and a copy of “The Invitation”, a CD with a message from Rick Warren and excellent music, all for the purpose of calling people to Christ. The fair also brings in shoppers, many who do not attend Faith. Other than Thanksgiving Dinner, this is the largest outreach that we have for our community.

Jerry Collins is leading up a team working on the Craft Fair. Much of the organization has been done and documented by Rev. Kim from past fairs, but we will need team members to break down the fair into a series of manageable tasks. Some of the tasks that are needed include: contacting vendors, putting together information packets and contracts, design and distribution of fliers, publicity, publicity, and more publicity, food and bake sale planning, set up (which is a major activity!), and clean up. If you are interested in being part of this team, opening our church to the community, and bringing people to Christ, contact Jerry Collins, 916-4556, or Edith Grabbe at agrabbe1284@charter.net. We will contact you about getting a team started. Also, now is the time for all crafters and collectors to sign up. Cost is $10.00 per table for church members, $20 per table for non-members. All church programs (UMW, Youth Group, Outreach, Choir, etc.) that would like a table to benefit their programs are free. See Jerry Collins for a contract.

Remember that the original disciples did not reach people until they left the upper room and went out to reach others. Our church needs to open its doors as well. You can make that happen!

FOOD PANTRY

Our August mission pantry donations will go to FISH (Fishers of Men) of St. Charles County. This mission provides emergency food, clothing, linens and housewares to the needy of St. Charles. They also have a thrift store that helps finance their mission. They have requested donations of canned salmon, tuna helper, jelly, canned mixed vegetables, and laundry detergent. As you shop this week, remember there are those right in your neighborhood who need help. Donations may be placed in the grocery carts or wicker baskets near the church office or the back coffee counter. Be a light of hope to your neighbors. “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.” John 1:5.

KLINGHAMMER ENDOWMENT

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Did you know that the Endowment Program at Faith United Methodist Church includes a scholarship program for church members? This program provides a one-time scholarship per member for higher education at an accredited college, junior college, technical school, university, or seminary. Eligible church members are encouraged to apply.

Application forms are available in the church office and are processed on a yearly basis as part of Faith UMC’s overall Endowment Program. The deadline for this year’s applications is Sunday, September 30th.

As I write this it is overcast outside and it looks like we might get some much needed rain, hopefully a nice, slow, steady rain.

I am asking everyone who has an email address to let me know what it is. You can do this by emailing me at sgurley@faithumcstcharles.com. There are many times we need to get in touch with our members and if I have an email address for you it makes it a little easier. Our membership program (the one on which I keep our attendance) allows me to send out emails in bulk, but first I need YOUR address. This applies to our regular visitors too.

Also, please be sure to let me know when you have a change of address or phone number. It is important to us, and to you too, that we keep our records current and the only way we can do that is with your help.

A GIFT OF CLOTHING

The Oak Forest Nursing Home is in need of clothing. Any used sweats, cut off sweats, or socks (even mismatched ones) would be appreciated. Also, they need gently used robes, pajamas, or tee shirts or any type of ladies or men’s clothing, size 6 to 3X. Most of these residents were brought to the nursing home with only the clothes they were wearing.

Norma Roney’s neighbor who works at Oak Forest requested these items. We will collect them from August 5th through August 26th. Please place them in the boxes near the office or in the back by the coffee counter.

AUGUST COMMUNION OFFERING

The communion offering will go the St. Louis Metro Ministries. The auxiliary members of metro Ministries are appointed or volunteer representatives from United Methodist Churches in St. Louis and the surrounding communities.

Metro Ministries provides direct special services for food, financial assistance, clothing, household items, and referral and advocacy to people in need. Their Share-A-Christmas program provides families and individuals with complete Christmas dinners and gifts for each family member.

Their Christmas Giving Tree provides at least two gifts for 1,000 other children. Names of the children are referred through MetroServ and other St. Louis area social service agencies.

DR. TERRY TEYKL

NATIONALLY KNOWN SPEAKER

coming to

Church of the Shepherd

November 3, 2007

9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Terry Teykl’s warm, humorous style makes him one of the most sought after speakers and seminar leaders in the country. He was a United Methodist pastor for 28 years and is now full time in the prayer ministry. He is also author of many books on prayer.

We have a golden opportunity to hear Terry in our own backyard. You will want to attend the Prayer Encounter seminar. Check and registration information is available from Jan P. Because of the number of people expected to attend, checks and registration cannot be taken after October 15, 2007. Registration fee is $35 (includes materials), plus $5.00 for box lunch or you may visit one of the restaurants in the area.

AUGUST OUTREACH FOCUS

This month’s outreach focus is for “Our Lady’s Inn,” 3607 Highway D, Defiance MO, a home for young women who need a place to stay during crisis pregnancies. Young women can escape abusive situations or other crisis in their lives and stay there until they have their babies.

Upon entering Our Lady’s Inn, a woman must commit to a self-improvement program in which she agrees to have prenatal visits and practice good nutrition in which she can receive instruction. She must obtain a job or attend GED or other training which is available. She will receive career counseling, basic skills training, and parenting education. She will receive help in finding permanent housing which she will secure before leaving. Our Lady’s Inn also helps obtain and encourages adoption if that is what the mother desires. They also have a two year after care program that allows families to be monitored to be sure they are getting the help they need to be a safe, happy, secure family.

Our Lady’s Inn is in need of financial support, volunteers, and prayers. To volunteer your time at Our Lady’s Inn call 636-398-5375 and ask for Connie Smith, Family Specialist and Volunteer Coordinator, or email her at ConnieReeSmith@CenturyTel.net. Friends of Our Lady’s Inn is a group of supporters who help financially and also set up fund raising events. Our Lady’s Inn needs volunteers to: help keep our storage rooms organized; help prepare meals; assist with childcare in our playroom; help with auction items and special events; assist with clerical and office work, including answering telephones, greeting visitors, and helping with bulk mail; make basic repairs in the building; help provide transportation, especially at Our Lady’s Inn-St. Charles; help pick up food donations (heavy lifting); suggest other volunteer tasks; and most importantly — pray! You can check out Our Lady’s Inn at www.ourladysinn.org.

Remember when Jesus was confronted with a woman about to be stoned for immoral behavior, he asked those threatening violence to examine themselves and “Let he who is without guilt cast the first stone.” In silence, they dropped their rocks and left. Jesus asked the woman to look around and see who was left to condemn her. When she answered that none were left, He said He did not condemn her either. Let us follow His example of love, not judgment.

THANK YOU

We would like to thank Rev. Jeff, Rev. Kim, Jan, our church family, and our family for all their support, prayers, calls and cards.

Thank you again,

Clyde and Lois Glenn

* * * * * *

Thank you to all who so generously donated pantry and personal care items to the Women’s Crisis Center in June. Over 120 items were collected.

A NOTE FROM REV. JACKIE ASHER

Deb,

Thank you again for having me — I think God spoke to some people in a way they hadn’t heard before, and I know it was a blessing to me. Take care and thank Jeff and the entire staff for me and all those who brought in the great desserts. To be honest, I was so busy visiting that I didn’t eat anything, but my throat hurts so bad I can’t really taste anyway so it’s almost a waste of time to try to enjoy goodies! Peace and blessings!

Yours in Christ,

Jackie