Houston United Methodist Church
Greetings To All,
“Mom! You didn’t call to wish me good luck,” my youngest daughter, Jordan, whined into the phone. Good luck? My motherly mind was reeling. Did she have a job interview? Did I miss the excitement of a first date? Where had I dropped the ball this time? I tried to cover my error.
“Oh, Honey. I am sorry. Good luck!” I tried to sound chipper.
“Thanks Mom. It’s your last time to wish your baby girl good luck on her first day of school. I am a college senior,” she proudly announced.
School has started again? Yes, summer is yawning and getting ready to say good-bye. As you read this letter, kids are once more sitting in classrooms, the smell of food is wafting from the cafeteria, and teachers are imparting knowledge.
Teachers have a tougher job than most of us realize. The home is where learning begins, but in many homes little emphasis is placed on education. Teachers throw up their hands in frustration because kids don’t do their homework. The reason is that homework isn’t deemed necessary in a child’s homes. Teachers aren’t respected by the students because their parents don’t respect the teachers. A student who doesn’t respect a teacher learns little or nothing. Let me end my soapbox by saying that the real kicker is when elementary schools must teach virtues (sharing, respect, kindness) in an attempt to reduce the number of discipline problems. Banners in hallways announce, “This week we are to be honest.” Lord please be in our schools.
Historically, education began in the homes of our nation’s forefathers and foremothers. The bible was the foundation for learning. History lessons included bible stories. Penmanship was practiced by copying scripture, and children were rewarded for memorizing verses. Furthermore, the church rallied around one another. Raising godly children was a community effort.
Is today’s church missing the mark? Do we spend as much time teaching our children scripture, prayer and godly virtues as we spend preparing church dinners and planning events? We recite Proverbs 22.6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Training is more than telling a child to be nice and love Jesus then sending him or her into the world. Would we send an athlete onto the playing field equipped with no more than a mandate to win and expect him/her to bring home a trophy? Training involves involvement and rehearsal.
Lastly, training and supporting our children in godliness is a vow we take as parents and as a church family when a child is baptized into the faith. Taking a vow before God is not something to be taken lightly. It is something God expects us to uphold. Let me rephrase this. God holds us to our vow to train children in biblical standards and set examples for them of diligent Christian living. This means speaking to them when we meet them in the narthex and not over their heads. Being quick to teach them or strongly supporting those who do. Lastly, it is expected that they will witness us loving and forgiving our brothers and sisters unconditionally.
Jordan closed with, “Mom. I am filling out the paperwork to do my grad studies in Barcelona. Will you be there to kiss me and wish me luck on my first day of grad school?”
“Of course. I will smooch you as the proudest American mom in Barcelona,” I assured her. Barcelona? When does school start in Barcelona? Pray church. Pray.
May God’s blessings be with you,
Pastor Beth
“Mom! You didn’t call to wish me good luck,” my youngest daughter, Jordan, whined into the phone. Good luck? My motherly mind was reeling. Did she have a job interview? Did I miss the excitement of a first date? Where had I dropped the ball this time? I tried to cover my error.
“Oh, Honey. I am sorry. Good luck!” I tried to sound chipper.
“Thanks Mom. It’s your last time to wish your baby girl good luck on her first day of school. I am a college senior,” she proudly announced.
School has started again? Yes, summer is yawning and getting ready to say good-bye. As you read this letter, kids are once more sitting in classrooms, the smell of food is wafting from the cafeteria, and teachers are imparting knowledge.
Teachers have a tougher job than most of us realize. The home is where learning begins, but in many homes little emphasis is placed on education. Teachers throw up their hands in frustration because kids don’t do their homework. The reason is that homework isn’t deemed necessary in a child’s homes. Teachers aren’t respected by the students because their parents don’t respect the teachers. A student who doesn’t respect a teacher learns little or nothing. Let me end my soapbox by saying that the real kicker is when elementary schools must teach virtues (sharing, respect, kindness) in an attempt to reduce the number of discipline problems. Banners in hallways announce, “This week we are to be honest.” Lord please be in our schools.
Historically, education began in the homes of our nation’s forefathers and foremothers. The bible was the foundation for learning. History lessons included bible stories. Penmanship was practiced by copying scripture, and children were rewarded for memorizing verses. Furthermore, the church rallied around one another. Raising godly children was a community effort.
Is today’s church missing the mark? Do we spend as much time teaching our children scripture, prayer and godly virtues as we spend preparing church dinners and planning events? We recite Proverbs 22.6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Training is more than telling a child to be nice and love Jesus then sending him or her into the world. Would we send an athlete onto the playing field equipped with no more than a mandate to win and expect him/her to bring home a trophy? Training involves involvement and rehearsal.
Lastly, training and supporting our children in godliness is a vow we take as parents and as a church family when a child is baptized into the faith. Taking a vow before God is not something to be taken lightly. It is something God expects us to uphold. Let me rephrase this. God holds us to our vow to train children in biblical standards and set examples for them of diligent Christian living. This means speaking to them when we meet them in the narthex and not over their heads. Being quick to teach them or strongly supporting those who do. Lastly, it is expected that they will witness us loving and forgiving our brothers and sisters unconditionally.
Jordan closed with, “Mom. I am filling out the paperwork to do my grad studies in Barcelona. Will you be there to kiss me and wish me luck on my first day of grad school?”
“Of course. I will smooch you as the proudest American mom in Barcelona,” I assured her. Barcelona? When does school start in Barcelona? Pray church. Pray.
May God’s blessings be with you,
Pastor Beth
Church Family News
Thank You
The United Methodist Committee on Relief and The Advance would like to thank everyone for their generous contribution to the Spring Storms 2011. Your gifts go a long way to bring healing and hope to people in need. We give thanks for your generosity.
<><><><>
The Texas County Food Pantry would like to thank the church for the contribution in memory of Cotton Smith. The Smith family has been instrumental in helping us to further our mission: “to respond to the legitimate needs of the people who request assistance for the basic human needs of food, clothing, health care and shelter.”
<><><><>
Thank you for letting us attend church on our Attend Church Together Sunday. I am sorry this is late. Please accept our apologies.
-Order of the Eastern Star
<><><><>
Thank you to Anita and Jerry for always volunteering to make or find needed items around the church. You work so hard to meet the office’s “demands” (even if that means making a school bus).
Prayer Requests
Military Personnel
Rowdy Carson; Mariah (Amelon) Rule; Richard Bratton III; George Ellsworth; Matthew Finley; Dan Dardner; Jimmy Myers; Darian Rice; Sean Robinson; Peter Stein; Jared Stowe; Matthew Voyles; The POW’s; All of our military personnel and families
Church Family
Richard Hicks; Anna & Farris Fortner, Janet Dyer’s parents; Bill & Glenda Winfrey; Ginger Walker, dialysis; Community Leaders and Government Leaders; National Financial Crisis; Victims of Extreme Weather; Our Church.
Back to School
Pool Party
We had a great time at the pool party! There were 19 people, including children present. Roger and Peggy Holder provided a nice meal and then watched over the children so the adults could have a good visit. The children really enjoyed the pool. The adults enjoyed the fellowship.
I would like to plan another parent and children get together for October, hopefully another one with an outdoors theme. More details soon!
The United Methodist Committee on Relief and The Advance would like to thank everyone for their generous contribution to the Spring Storms 2011. Your gifts go a long way to bring healing and hope to people in need. We give thanks for your generosity.
<><><><>
The Texas County Food Pantry would like to thank the church for the contribution in memory of Cotton Smith. The Smith family has been instrumental in helping us to further our mission: “to respond to the legitimate needs of the people who request assistance for the basic human needs of food, clothing, health care and shelter.”
<><><><>
Thank you for letting us attend church on our Attend Church Together Sunday. I am sorry this is late. Please accept our apologies.
-Order of the Eastern Star
<><><><>
Thank you to Anita and Jerry for always volunteering to make or find needed items around the church. You work so hard to meet the office’s “demands” (even if that means making a school bus).
Prayer Requests
Military Personnel
Rowdy Carson; Mariah (Amelon) Rule; Richard Bratton III; George Ellsworth; Matthew Finley; Dan Dardner; Jimmy Myers; Darian Rice; Sean Robinson; Peter Stein; Jared Stowe; Matthew Voyles; The POW’s; All of our military personnel and families
Church Family
Richard Hicks; Anna & Farris Fortner, Janet Dyer’s parents; Bill & Glenda Winfrey; Ginger Walker, dialysis; Community Leaders and Government Leaders; National Financial Crisis; Victims of Extreme Weather; Our Church.
Back to School
Pool Party
We had a great time at the pool party! There were 19 people, including children present. Roger and Peggy Holder provided a nice meal and then watched over the children so the adults could have a good visit. The children really enjoyed the pool. The adults enjoyed the fellowship.
I would like to plan another parent and children get together for October, hopefully another one with an outdoors theme. More details soon!
Attendance & Financial Statistics
Worship S. School Offering
07/31/11 83 37 $528.25
08/07/11 107 47 $6,545.25
08/14/11 82 35 $2,795.00
08/21/11 97 44 $1,863.91
08/28/11 81 40 $1,056.00
Weekly Averages 90 41 $2,557.68
We need $2,784.71 each week in General Budget Income to meet the 2011 Budget.
Note: These figures are not 100% accurate because of the 5-week month of July.
Worship S. School Offering
07/31/11 83 37 $528.25
08/07/11 107 47 $6,545.25
08/14/11 82 35 $2,795.00
08/21/11 97 44 $1,863.91
08/28/11 81 40 $1,056.00
Weekly Averages 90 41 $2,557.68
We need $2,784.71 each week in General Budget Income to meet the 2011 Budget.
Note: These figures are not 100% accurate because of the 5-week month of July.
A Word From Our
Lay Leader
Nineteen years ago, our church began sponsoring the CROP Walk, to help alleviate hunger around the world.
Last year we changed the goal--to fight hunger right here in our county.
The second annual Texas Co. Hunger Walk will be held in Houston on Sunday, Sept. 25, starting at the Sr. Citizens Center on Grand Ave. at 1:30 PM.
Although we are sponsoring the Walk, it isn't just a Methodist event. Several area churches are interested in sending walkers.
Walkers will be given a donation envelope to collect contributions from the community, and bring the money with them on the 25th. All funds collected will be channeled through Community Foundation of the Ozarks, (CFO), a non-profit organization in Springfield. CFO will then divide 100% of the donations between the Texas Co. Food Pantry, here in Houston, and the United Community Help Center in Licking.
These two pantries serve nearly 600 Texas County families each month with commodities and boxes of canned goods for seniors.
If you enjoy walking for exercise, please walk in the Texas County Hunger Walk, and collect donations to help this worthy cause. Not able to walk? Your donation, no matter the amount, will help alleviate hunger in our county. For more information, please call me, 967-2495.
We will be giving out walker donation envelopes starting this Sunday.
"Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." (James 2:14-17)
-Thank you! Alice Wells
Last year we changed the goal--to fight hunger right here in our county.
The second annual Texas Co. Hunger Walk will be held in Houston on Sunday, Sept. 25, starting at the Sr. Citizens Center on Grand Ave. at 1:30 PM.
Although we are sponsoring the Walk, it isn't just a Methodist event. Several area churches are interested in sending walkers.
Walkers will be given a donation envelope to collect contributions from the community, and bring the money with them on the 25th. All funds collected will be channeled through Community Foundation of the Ozarks, (CFO), a non-profit organization in Springfield. CFO will then divide 100% of the donations between the Texas Co. Food Pantry, here in Houston, and the United Community Help Center in Licking.
These two pantries serve nearly 600 Texas County families each month with commodities and boxes of canned goods for seniors.
If you enjoy walking for exercise, please walk in the Texas County Hunger Walk, and collect donations to help this worthy cause. Not able to walk? Your donation, no matter the amount, will help alleviate hunger in our county. For more information, please call me, 967-2495.
We will be giving out walker donation envelopes starting this Sunday.
"Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." (James 2:14-17)
-Thank you! Alice Wells
Ingathering
Sunday, October 9, 2011 at the Texas County Fairgrounds Murfin Building.
Schedule is:
· 12:30-1:00pm: set up table/chairs & unload beans/rice from truck.
· 1:00-2:00pm: groups sign in, unload kits, form teams & set up supplies.
· 2:00-3:00pm: teams bag & box beans & rice.
· 3:00-3:30pm: celebration of our work to Share God's Abundance.
· 3:30-4:00pm, load food & kits on trucks & clean up.
The mission team decided to focus on helping the victims of recent storms in Missouri and other states by furnishing the following kits, which will be brought to the Festival of Sharing Ingathering on October 9:
(1) Personal Hygiene Pack (each valued at $20) (2) Emergency Clean-up Bucket (each valued at $56).
Our jar in the narthex held a total of $75, which will be used towards the purchase of one Emergency Bucket and a partial Hygiene Pack. We are asking everyone to bring any of the items listed during the next four Sundays and/or cash towards the purchase of items for the kits. The children will collect the items and cash during Children's time as their current mission focus.
· September 11 - 1 or more Large Zip-Lock Bags (2-gallon size); 1 washcloth & 1 hand towel
· September 18 - 1 fluoride toothpaste (6 oz or more); 1 soft toothbrush (in original pkg.) & 1 bath-size bar of soap
· September 25 - 1 bottle skin lotion (11-14 oz), 1 bottle shampoo (11-14 oz) & 1 deodorant
· October 2 - 1 comb or brush, 2 disposable razors & 1 pair of reading glasses (new or gently used)
Everyone willing to help on October 2 following our potluck dinner will assemble the kits.
Sunday, October 9, 2011 at the Texas County Fairgrounds Murfin Building.
Schedule is:
· 12:30-1:00pm: set up table/chairs & unload beans/rice from truck.
· 1:00-2:00pm: groups sign in, unload kits, form teams & set up supplies.
· 2:00-3:00pm: teams bag & box beans & rice.
· 3:00-3:30pm: celebration of our work to Share God's Abundance.
· 3:30-4:00pm, load food & kits on trucks & clean up.
The mission team decided to focus on helping the victims of recent storms in Missouri and other states by furnishing the following kits, which will be brought to the Festival of Sharing Ingathering on October 9:
(1) Personal Hygiene Pack (each valued at $20) (2) Emergency Clean-up Bucket (each valued at $56).
Our jar in the narthex held a total of $75, which will be used towards the purchase of one Emergency Bucket and a partial Hygiene Pack. We are asking everyone to bring any of the items listed during the next four Sundays and/or cash towards the purchase of items for the kits. The children will collect the items and cash during Children's time as their current mission focus.
· September 11 - 1 or more Large Zip-Lock Bags (2-gallon size); 1 washcloth & 1 hand towel
· September 18 - 1 fluoride toothpaste (6 oz or more); 1 soft toothbrush (in original pkg.) & 1 bath-size bar of soap
· September 25 - 1 bottle skin lotion (11-14 oz), 1 bottle shampoo (11-14 oz) & 1 deodorant
· October 2 - 1 comb or brush, 2 disposable razors & 1 pair of reading glasses (new or gently used)
Everyone willing to help on October 2 following our potluck dinner will assemble the kits.
Methodist Men’s Happenings
Eight hungry Methodist Men were present for the 14 August meeting, two others (Rick and Reese) skipped town after last month’s MM report was published and Jean wrenched his knee while trying to leave town. There was neither pushing nor shoving in the food line. This month’s meeting was also more orderly and quiet than the July meeting. Maybe because our President had returned, maybe due to the absence of the three individuals mentioned above or maybe just coincidence. We have our suspicions, but only the Good Lord knows.
Mark called the meeting to order and presented a devotional entitled “His Eyes On Us”. Mark insured us that God knows us, loves us and will provide for our needs. It should be noted that four MM Auxiliary members were observing from a distant table. These ladies made that same promise to their respective MM earlier in life. We will depend on both God and our MM Auxiliary to sustain us.
Terry reported that our financial status was unchanged: no income, no expenses and no interest. Bill noted that our adopted stretch of highway looked litter free since weeds were thriving and concealing the trash. We will monitor our roadway and think about taking action as required.
MM meteorological observations were discussed. Robert is predicting at least three “cat tracking” snowfalls this winter since we have already experienced three foggy mornings in August. Milt agreed to maintain the MM fog/snow register. Maury reported that areas within the MM range received between 1” and 4.5” of rain since our previous MM breakfast meeting. Jay stated that his rain gauge had washed away. Based on Mark’s devotion, a new rain gauge will be provided to Jay.
The MM “to do” list will be tackled in September. Projects include power washing, painting a carport ceiling, patching a roof, farm lane right-of-way clearing and felling our Methodist Elm Tree.
Jay made a motion to adjourn at 0836. Motion passed.
We will gather again on 11 September at 0800 in the TCMH Cafeteria. All HUMC Methodist Men are invited to join us for fellowship, good food, fun and all the free coffee you can drink. See you there!!
Mark called the meeting to order and presented a devotional entitled “His Eyes On Us”. Mark insured us that God knows us, loves us and will provide for our needs. It should be noted that four MM Auxiliary members were observing from a distant table. These ladies made that same promise to their respective MM earlier in life. We will depend on both God and our MM Auxiliary to sustain us.
Terry reported that our financial status was unchanged: no income, no expenses and no interest. Bill noted that our adopted stretch of highway looked litter free since weeds were thriving and concealing the trash. We will monitor our roadway and think about taking action as required.
MM meteorological observations were discussed. Robert is predicting at least three “cat tracking” snowfalls this winter since we have already experienced three foggy mornings in August. Milt agreed to maintain the MM fog/snow register. Maury reported that areas within the MM range received between 1” and 4.5” of rain since our previous MM breakfast meeting. Jay stated that his rain gauge had washed away. Based on Mark’s devotion, a new rain gauge will be provided to Jay.
The MM “to do” list will be tackled in September. Projects include power washing, painting a carport ceiling, patching a roof, farm lane right-of-way clearing and felling our Methodist Elm Tree.
Jay made a motion to adjourn at 0836. Motion passed.
We will gather again on 11 September at 0800 in the TCMH Cafeteria. All HUMC Methodist Men are invited to join us for fellowship, good food, fun and all the free coffee you can drink. See you there!!
Notice: The Children’s Sunday school class and the Youth Sunday school class have traded rooms. The children will now be downstairs and the youth upstairs.
United Methodist
Women News
The United Methodist women met on August 9th with 13 members present. President Cindy Durick opened the meeting with a devotion based on Psalm 91:4 - Under God’s Wings. Prayer calendar for this month was Romans 9:14-29 presented by Janet Dyer. Plans for the Ingathering (Festival of Sharing), which will be held October 9th at 2:00pm at the Murfin building on the Texas County Fairgrounds, were discussed. Details will be finalized at our next meeting. Alice Wells gave us information on the Prayer Group, being held at the church on Sundays at 6pm. All are welcome! Alice also announced that the annual Hunger Walk would be September 25th. Envelopes for donation are available. The Make it- Bake it- Grow it was won by Alice Wells.
Carol Vander Veen presented a program on the UMW involvement in missions in Haiti, and the stories of two Haitian Christian women. Lucy Kruse was our hostess of the month. Please join us for our next meeting on September 13th at 6:30 pm in the fellowship hall. Any questions? Please call President Cindy Durick at (417) 962-0308.
Carol Vander Veen presented a program on the UMW involvement in missions in Haiti, and the stories of two Haitian Christian women. Lucy Kruse was our hostess of the month. Please join us for our next meeting on September 13th at 6:30 pm in the fellowship hall. Any questions? Please call President Cindy Durick at (417) 962-0308.
JOY IN
COUNTRY LIVING
COUNTRY LIVING
The Houston UMC J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) Group enjoyed an escorted tour and excellent lunch on August 26, at the recently opened Country Living Assisted Living home in Mountain Grove. Tour guides were Joe Golden and Deanna Thompson, gracious hosts/owners of the home. Apartments within the home can accommodate a total of 40 residents and include the comforts/privacy of home with many extra services and amenities. J.O.Y. group members commented that the home offers features commonly found in a resort; a putting green, walking trail, exercise room, DISH TV, WIFI, social activities, buffet dining and many others. However, in addition to resort style living are features that provide peace of mind and safety for senior residents; 24/7 staff assistance, emergency call and medical alert systems, medication supervision, laundry, housekeeping and others.
J.O.Y. group members were especially impressed with the friendly atmosphere that prevailed throughout the home. One of the many well-decorated and comfortable sitting areas is highlighted with an aviary filled with colorful tropical birds. Another sitting area has a large aquarium for those desiring pleasant viewing outside the 200 DISH TV stations that are also available.
We departed the home with a sincere farewell from our hosts, full bellies and a feeling of relief that there is finally a premier facility in our area that will accommodate our assisted living needs when that day approaches. Discussions in the church van included comments on the excellent fresh baked bread and genuine mashed potatoes that were served with our delicious country fried steak lunch. We were also surprised that the rate for living at the home is approximately 30% less than the state average. Hopefully, someone in Houston will realize our local need and take the lead to open a premier assisted living facility similar to Country Living in our town.
J.O.Y. group members were especially impressed with the friendly atmosphere that prevailed throughout the home. One of the many well-decorated and comfortable sitting areas is highlighted with an aviary filled with colorful tropical birds. Another sitting area has a large aquarium for those desiring pleasant viewing outside the 200 DISH TV stations that are also available.
We departed the home with a sincere farewell from our hosts, full bellies and a feeling of relief that there is finally a premier facility in our area that will accommodate our assisted living needs when that day approaches. Discussions in the church van included comments on the excellent fresh baked bread and genuine mashed potatoes that were served with our delicious country fried steak lunch. We were also surprised that the rate for living at the home is approximately 30% less than the state average. Hopefully, someone in Houston will realize our local need and take the lead to open a premier assisted living facility similar to Country Living in our town.
We are looking for volunteers to help bring a new ministry, called Angel Food Ministries, to our church and community.
Angel Food distributes boxes of quality food at discounted rates. A medium box costs $30 as opposed to retail cost, which averages $60. One unit of food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for almost a month.
If you are interested in this program, notify the church office. Keep an eye out for more information.
Ministry Opportunity
Satan’s Beatitudes
(Also known as
the ME attitudes)
(Also known as
the ME attitudes)
1. Blessed are those who are too tired, too busy, too distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians in church…
They are my best workers.
2. Blessed are those who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked…
I can use them in my business.
3. Blessed are those who are touchy. Soon they will stop going to church. Verily they will stop going to church…
They will be my missionaries.
4. Blessed are those who sow gossip and trouble…
They are my beloved children.
5. Blessed are those who have no time to pray…
They are MY prey.
6. Blessed are you when you read this and think it has everything to do with other people, and nothing to do with you…
I’ve got room for YOU at my inn.
They are my best workers.
2. Blessed are those who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked…
I can use them in my business.
3. Blessed are those who are touchy. Soon they will stop going to church. Verily they will stop going to church…
They will be my missionaries.
4. Blessed are those who sow gossip and trouble…
They are my beloved children.
5. Blessed are those who have no time to pray…
They are MY prey.
6. Blessed are you when you read this and think it has everything to do with other people, and nothing to do with you…
I’ve got room for YOU at my inn.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM AD COUNCIL - August 18, 2011
Present: Terry Flowers; Alice & Chalky Wells; Jay Frost; Sally Smith; Pastor Beth; Lana Bucher; Lucy Kruse; Bob Joens; Cindy Haley; JoAnn Johnson; Robert Rouse; Lori Krizan; Cindy Durick; Brad Eidson; Barbara Loyd; Janie Fraser-Giddens and Rose Dickard.
Robert called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. Alice read from Col. 3 and a devotional about “what are you doing?” and opened the meeting in prayer.
Secretary’s Report Chalky moved/Jay seconded to accept the July 21st report; minutes approved.
Treasurer’s Report Lana provided copies of the check register for July 1 thru August 18 showing a balance of $11,429.78. She reported that bills are being paid and still have a fairly good balance. Both propane tanks have been filled and apportionments were paid. Cindy moved/Alice seconded/motion passed.
Old Business 1) Barb Loyd reported that she had talked with Lucy Kruse & JoAnn Johnson regarding the Wednesday after school program. Their research showed that the time schedule is one hour early, one day a week on Wednesday; that the Baptist church has a before and after school program that picks up the children from school daily and the Optimist Club has an after school program daily. Any child who needs an after-school program would probably choose one of these. Her committee suggested we drop this for now and try to check it out at the end of the school year and take a survey of who could use this and have it ready to go next school year. JoAnn made a motion to accept this recommendation; Cindy seconded; motion passed. 2) The new photo directory will start in September or October. 3) The Boy Scouts scheduled a Cub Scout sign-up meeting in the Fellowship Hall.
New Business Pastor Beth reported that according to the Book of Discipline, the Ad Council is only required to meet quarterly. She asked if the council would like to revisit the monthly meeting. Bob made a motion to continue meeting monthly; Janie seconded; motion passed.
Education/Nurture Lori reported 1) that two of the three Sunday school teacher slots have been filled. March-May still needs a teacher. Thanks to Lucy Kruse & Ruth Perry for volunteering. 2) The new Sunday school year begins Sept. 11th. Everyone is welcome to come and try a class (4 adult classes, a K-5th grade class and a 6-12th grade class).
Finance Bob reported that a meeting had been held and that management of the church money is good but still a little behind.
Hospitality JoAnn reported that they had talked about moving kitchen supplies out of the janitorial closet to the old preschool room. There is still “stuff” on all the shelves and small folding chairs. Terry will relocate the chairs to the attic and Lori will check what is still on the shelves.
Methodist Men Terry reported that Mark presided over their meeting and gave a devotional. They had no income or expenses. Discussed work to be done this fall and they will remove the tree behind the church. Clean-up work on Hwy. 17 was completed by the prison.
Missions Lucy reported no meeting this month, but will have one soon.
Staff/Parish Pastor Beth reported that they met and talked about how things are going in the services and talked over ideas for the future.
Trustees Chalky reported the parsonage work went over budget; anyone who wants to give toward this would be welcome. They are looking at repairing the two spots in the parking lot with asphalt. Sweet gum balls need to be cleaned up and the shrubbery in front of the church needs either pruning or replacing. A landscaping committee will look at the options and inform the council.
UMW Cindy reported there were 13 present at the meeting on Aug. 9th. Plans for the In-Gathering on October 9th were discussed. UMW will have refreshments for sale. Carol Vander Veen presented the program on Missions in Haiti. Methodist Men will donate $50 for rental of the Murfin Building for the In-Gathering.
Worship Jay reported the bell choir will meet next Wed. and the choir the next Wed. He has been asked if the bell choir would play for the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast; he will discuss it when the bell choir meets. Bill Rice will work with the choir during Jay’s absence in September.
Youth Lori reported they are still looking for a Youth Group Leader. The youth want a mentor, someone they can talk to about their lives outside of school and immediate family; someone willing to get more involved in the community and regional Methodist youth activities
Pastor’s Report Pastor Beth reported that she will be teaching one of the children Sunday school classes for three months to see how it goes. The Sunday night prayer meetings are going well and are a real blessing to the church. She is working on becoming an ordained Elder. Is looking for a way to video her communion service; Don Tottingham was suggested as probably having this capability.
Chalky moved to adjourn at 7:39 pm/Bob seconded and Pastor Beth dismissed in prayer.
-Respectfully submitted by Rose Dickard, Council Secretary
Robert called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. Alice read from Col. 3 and a devotional about “what are you doing?” and opened the meeting in prayer.
Secretary’s Report Chalky moved/Jay seconded to accept the July 21st report; minutes approved.
Treasurer’s Report Lana provided copies of the check register for July 1 thru August 18 showing a balance of $11,429.78. She reported that bills are being paid and still have a fairly good balance. Both propane tanks have been filled and apportionments were paid. Cindy moved/Alice seconded/motion passed.
Old Business 1) Barb Loyd reported that she had talked with Lucy Kruse & JoAnn Johnson regarding the Wednesday after school program. Their research showed that the time schedule is one hour early, one day a week on Wednesday; that the Baptist church has a before and after school program that picks up the children from school daily and the Optimist Club has an after school program daily. Any child who needs an after-school program would probably choose one of these. Her committee suggested we drop this for now and try to check it out at the end of the school year and take a survey of who could use this and have it ready to go next school year. JoAnn made a motion to accept this recommendation; Cindy seconded; motion passed. 2) The new photo directory will start in September or October. 3) The Boy Scouts scheduled a Cub Scout sign-up meeting in the Fellowship Hall.
New Business Pastor Beth reported that according to the Book of Discipline, the Ad Council is only required to meet quarterly. She asked if the council would like to revisit the monthly meeting. Bob made a motion to continue meeting monthly; Janie seconded; motion passed.
Education/Nurture Lori reported 1) that two of the three Sunday school teacher slots have been filled. March-May still needs a teacher. Thanks to Lucy Kruse & Ruth Perry for volunteering. 2) The new Sunday school year begins Sept. 11th. Everyone is welcome to come and try a class (4 adult classes, a K-5th grade class and a 6-12th grade class).
Finance Bob reported that a meeting had been held and that management of the church money is good but still a little behind.
Hospitality JoAnn reported that they had talked about moving kitchen supplies out of the janitorial closet to the old preschool room. There is still “stuff” on all the shelves and small folding chairs. Terry will relocate the chairs to the attic and Lori will check what is still on the shelves.
Methodist Men Terry reported that Mark presided over their meeting and gave a devotional. They had no income or expenses. Discussed work to be done this fall and they will remove the tree behind the church. Clean-up work on Hwy. 17 was completed by the prison.
Missions Lucy reported no meeting this month, but will have one soon.
Staff/Parish Pastor Beth reported that they met and talked about how things are going in the services and talked over ideas for the future.
Trustees Chalky reported the parsonage work went over budget; anyone who wants to give toward this would be welcome. They are looking at repairing the two spots in the parking lot with asphalt. Sweet gum balls need to be cleaned up and the shrubbery in front of the church needs either pruning or replacing. A landscaping committee will look at the options and inform the council.
UMW Cindy reported there were 13 present at the meeting on Aug. 9th. Plans for the In-Gathering on October 9th were discussed. UMW will have refreshments for sale. Carol Vander Veen presented the program on Missions in Haiti. Methodist Men will donate $50 for rental of the Murfin Building for the In-Gathering.
Worship Jay reported the bell choir will meet next Wed. and the choir the next Wed. He has been asked if the bell choir would play for the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast; he will discuss it when the bell choir meets. Bill Rice will work with the choir during Jay’s absence in September.
Youth Lori reported they are still looking for a Youth Group Leader. The youth want a mentor, someone they can talk to about their lives outside of school and immediate family; someone willing to get more involved in the community and regional Methodist youth activities
Pastor’s Report Pastor Beth reported that she will be teaching one of the children Sunday school classes for three months to see how it goes. The Sunday night prayer meetings are going well and are a real blessing to the church. She is working on becoming an ordained Elder. Is looking for a way to video her communion service; Don Tottingham was suggested as probably having this capability.
Chalky moved to adjourn at 7:39 pm/Bob seconded and Pastor Beth dismissed in prayer.
-Respectfully submitted by Rose Dickard, Council Secretary
September 2011