the messenger
January 25, 2008
A publication of Manchester United Methodist Church

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Feature Article:
W.O.M.P.
(Word of Mouth Potential)


Dennis Crosson
Program Director

what makes mumc such
a special
place is the variety of opportunities there are to answer the question: where are we going?

In This Issue:
Letter from Carl
Our Financial Commitment to Christ
Ministry and Fellowship
Living Our Christianity
Worship
Our Church Family

In his inaugural sermon of the new year, titled “Our Job,” Pastor Carl pointed to Matthew 28:16-20 (Jesus’ commission to his followers to “Go make disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them”) and asked the congregation: Where are we going?

Indeed, where are we going? Where is MUMC going in the work of penetrating the world with the good news of God’s love for us in Jesus Christ?

I don’t have the answer to the question of “where,” because I suppose it depends on your particular passion or interest. Where might be inviting someone to become involved in Centenary Cares, Saturday night worship, youth fellowship, media club, etc. And, what makes MUMC such a special place is the variety of opportunities there are to answer the question of “where.” Two hundred-plus ministries, all life-shaping, all life-giving.

I don’t have the answer to the question of “where,” but I do have a suggestion for how to begin a conversation with the world about the work MUMC is doing. Have you heard of W.O.M.P.? W.O.M.P. is Word of Mouth Potential.

Most of us are quick to tell others when we are excited about something, or conversely when we’re dissatisfied. Those members of the staff who went to the Fox over the holidays to see the musical Wicked can’t stop talking about it. Their enthusiasm about the production prompted me to see how long the show was in town. Unfortunately, the show departed before I was able to secure tickets. But the W.O.M.P. I heard has me trying to figure out where my wife, Gail, and I might travel to see the show. Kansas City and Chicago are relatively close. Orlando could mean a vacation in the sun. Cleveland is a possibility—we have relatives in Ohio.

That’s the power of W.O.M.P. And Pastor Carl is suggesting our job of sharing Christ with the world starts with W.O.M.P. Why are you involved at MUMC? What excites you? What challenges you? How are you growing in your faith journey?

Try some W.O.M.P. If every member of MUMC would engage in some W.O.M.P. and invite one other person outside the MUMC community to experience their joy, there’s no telling where we might go.

Dennis

Rev. Carl Schenck
Senior Pastor

but a tiny minority said, “wait a minute! we’re a lifesaving station! that’s why we’re here!”

Be sure to read Carl's blog, Faith and Empire.

Note: This issue's Letter from Carl is an excerpt from his January 6 sermon, "Our Job." We encourage you to read the full transcript.

Dear Friends,

I want to tell you a fable. You know what fables are – they’re stories that aren’t true, but are true. ... Once upon a time there was a rocky and dangerous seashore where shipwrecks often occurred. There was, on the shore, a little lifesaving station. It was really just a hut where a half-dozen or so hardy people gathered, and they had one lifeboat. When ships were wrecked, they jumped into their lifeboat and rescued as many people as they could.

This hardy half-dozen or so people were committed to what they did, and over time, some of the folks they rescued felt a desire to be a part of the lifesaving task. So they joined in and the little lifesaving station became rather famous. A lot of people wanted to contribute. Some sent money. Some learned to work lifeboats, and they grew in number. They bought additional boats and trained additional crews and before long the little hut became inadequate for this growing service. So they had a capital fund crusade, and built a new, nice, big, spacious facility.

Over time, more and more folks became interested in lifesaving. In fact, the lifesavers enjoyed what they did, and enjoyed each other so much they began to use their station as a kind of a meeting place, a clubhouse. They would have meals, and play cards, and swap yarns, and have lifesaving boat rowing lessons. The thing naturally got bigger, and the time came when some of the folks who had joined weren’t actually all that interested in saving drowning seafarers, but they really enjoyed the company of the other folks. They found it was often easier just to hire crews to do the lifesaving work instead of doing it themselves.

Then one time a large passenger ship floundered on the rocks and the hired crews went out and brought in scores of people. These people were wet, and cold, and smelly, and hungry, and when they came in they all hit the bathrooms at the same time. They made a mess out of the station, and so the property committee decided to build a detached shower room to clean people up before they got into the station. At their next meeting, they discovered they were divided. A majority of the membership had come to the conclusion they needed to suspend going out to sea, because it made messes like the mess they had recently experienced, and they really didn’t want to go off and get cold and wet themselves.

But a tiny minority said, “Wait a minute! We’re a lifesaving station! That’s why we’re here!” But the majority said, “If you want to do that, go on down the shore and start your own.” So a handful of them did. They built a little hut, and got a boat, and history repeated itself. According to the fable, if you go to that seashore today, you will find the whole rocky coast lined with elegant clubs. Now boats still go down in the waters and a lot of folks drown, but the clubs are going strong.

It’s just a fable. Of course nothing like that ever happens in real life...or does it?

I hope to see you in worship.

Grace and Peace,

Carl

Operating Commitments through December 31, 2007

Building Fund Commitments through December 31, 2007

MUMC has collected 134.24% of the total 2007 Building Fund Commitment.

Attendance
Average weekly worship attendance through December was 1334, a 6.53% decrease over the same period in 2006.

Why the Surplus?

For a more detailed report, please contact Phil Estes by email or at 636.200.4706. You will also find a financial report posted outside the Administrative office.

As you can see above, we ended the year with a surplus of $147,116. The reason for this is due in large part to three staff vacancies. These included the Family Wellness and Recreation position and two unexpected retirements in Children’s Education and Maintenance. The second significant reason for the surplus is due to unexpected giving that added $41,000 in revenue.

This funding will be needed in 2008 as these vacancies have been replaced, so the surplus does not reflect unusual growth.

MINISTRY and FELLOWSHIP

Please send all submissions for the Messenger to the following new email address:

themessenger@manchesterumc.org

Thank you!

A study of Henry Blackaby’s Experiencing God will be held Tuesdays 9:30–11 a.m. The study will run from January 29 through April 22.

Cost of the participant book is $15. Childcare will be available by reservation.

Perform with One Voice

Individuals who believe they fit the criteria, or anyone with questions, please contact us by filling out the Contemporary portion of the service signup insert inside the Sunday bulletin, or you may call Wanda Kuntz, Contemporary Music Director at 636.200.4714.

The MUMC Contemporary Music Team (One Voice and One Voice band members) will begin leading two worship services Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Due to the additional commitment, we are now expanding and are looking for new members.

Responsibilities will include:
Rehearsal at 7:30 a.m. on the Sunday scheduled to play and Wednesday evenings (6:30–8:45 p.m. for vocalists; 7–8:45 p.m. for instrumentalists)

Vocalists (all voice parts), and bass players are also needed.

How to join:
One Voice and Band members are chosen based upon the following:
Musical ability:
Singers:  ability to read music, accurate pitch, sense of rhythm, good memorization / diction
Instrumentalists:  ability to read chord charts, willing to improvise
Stage Presence: Self-confidence, posture, pleasant appearance
Experience: Ability to minister in spite of pressure; comfort level being in front of people
Calling: Is this person already a worshipper and called to lead others?
Attitude: Ability to be a team player with a positive, cooperative attitude
Character: None of us are perfect, but members of One Voice and the One Voice band should desire to live lives that reflect their love for Jesus Christ
Timing:  Does the person feel they are ready for praise and worship ministry?

God commands us to go out into the world to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Through your gift in the Christmas Offering envelope, over forty agencies are supported. Pictured is Red Bird Mission in the heart of Appalachia which among many services provides health and support care for homebound elderly. THANK you for helping bring hope and love to those less fortunate.

Mission Funds Committee

Thanks to all those who helped fill the Centenary bin with personal hygiene items. The Hospitality Ministry was able to assemble more than 200 kits. These were given out in mid-December and the recipients were very appreciative. The Hospitality has decided to continue to assemble the kits to be given out by Centenary CARES on an as-needed basis.

Please continue to donate any personal size containers of lotion, shampoo and toothpaste. Individual packets of tissues, lip balm, deodorant and white socks are also needed. We have plenty of soap at the present time. Thank you for remembering those less fortunate with items most of us take for granted. We ask that you bring only new unused items.

Did you know that MUMC now offers TWO contemporary services? Enjoy them at 9 a.m and 10:30 a.m. Both will feature the same music, worship, and message.

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion.” Colossians 3:12

Stephen Ministry Training is our congregation’s program to prepare lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life challenges, both in our congregation and in the community.

Stephen Ministers are committed Christians who:

Express God’s care through their lives to others.
Receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts.
Visit another person regularly and dependably, offering Christian support and care.
Participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders.
Are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship.
Serve for two years.
Receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service.

Stephen Ministers are care givers, not cure givers.

Check the next issue of The Messenger and upcoming bulletins for more information.

Meals and Ministries

Please visit our website for more information and menus.

Module IV of our popular Meals and Ministries program begins Wednesday, February 6. Please join us for a hot meal and a class to nourish both the body and spirit.

Basic Practices of Spiritual Formation | Rev. Carl Schenck
Lent has traditionally been a time to practice more intense spiritual disciplines. In this class we will read a book on spiritual disciplines as well as examine the reasons for practicing the disciplines and the major disciplines used by United Methodists. Participants will be encouraged to actually use the disciplines as well as learning about them. Disciplines are defined as ways of knowing God's grace, and include prayer, fasting, and more.

What's for dinner?

Here's the menu for some upcoming classes:

January 30 Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, biscuits
February 6 (Ash Wednesday) Vegetable beef soup
February 13 Fettuccini alfredo with chicken breast, bread sticks
February 20 Chili All-Ways
February 27 Pork loin, mashed potatoes, gravy, biscuits
March 5 Ham, scalloped potatoes
March 12 Lasagna, bread sticks

All meals include salad, vegetables, desserts and beverages.

New Member Class

For more
information or to make reservations,
contact Betsy Vicente at 636.200.4720.

Sunday, March 2
2–4:30 p.m. Orientation in Room 133
Childcare provided (must be scheduled
one week in advance)

Join on Saturday, March 8, or Sunday, March 9.

Reservations required.

Summer Starts in February!

For more information, contact Nancy Cooper at 636.200.4719.

For childcare reservations, contact Sally Cleveland at 636.200.4743.

Summer fun in February? Yes. That’s what MUMC Youth and their parents will be experiencing on Sunday, February 10. Starting in a summery Fellowship Hall, we will enjoy a Summer Snack Supper, including camp skits and campfire songs. Following the light meal, parents will attend a short parenting workshop on helping youth and the benefit of camps, retreats and mission work in youth development. Surprises are planned for the youth.

All youth and their parents are invited and encouraged to join the festivities. This is also a great time to invite parents and youth not already involved in MUMC. Everyone can enjoy a night of summer fun.

Registration will open for all summer opportunities and some fill fast. Parents will want to bring calendars and checkbooks.

Snack supper starts at 5 p.m., at a cost of $3 per person. The evening will end at 7 p.m. Childcare is available for younger siblings.

Marriage Classes Aren't Just for the Young!

Questions? Call Dave and Judy Craft at 314.453.9692.

For childcare reservations, contact Sally Cleveland at 636.200.4743.

Enrollment is limited. To reserve your spots, call Jan Doyle at 636.200.4723.

Some people think that the Marriage University Classes at MUMC are just for engaged or newly married couples or just for couples who are having major difficulties in their relationship. The skills taught in these courses are in actuality valuable for any couple at any stage of marriage. The skills taught are good communication skills and conflict resolution skills. These are the two most often cited areas of difficulty reported by couples.

The exciting news is that these skills can be taught to almost anyone willing to learn and, if practiced, can make even good marriages better. Better still, MUMC offers these courses as part of its marriage ministry so any couple can take advantage of them simply by signing up for the classes.

The classes are taught by couples from the congregation who are trained and certified. They are taught in small groups (not more than 12 couples per class) in a fun, yet safe environment where couples can meet other couples who want to learn skills to make their marriages better.

The first class is called Couple Communication I (Talking and Listening Together) and consists of four two-hour sessions in which skills are learned and practiced.

This class will meet on four consecutive Wednesday evenings beginning on February 6 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Old Fellowship Hall.

The cost for the class is $90 per couple which includes the materials for the course. Scholarships are available for those who may need financial assistance. Free childcare is provided by advanced registration. Plan to come through a Meals and Ministries program!

Circle of Friends Registration

For more
information or to
schedule a tour, call 636.394.6867.

Circle of Friends Preschool Registration Schedule for 2008–2009

January 26 at 1 p.m.
Current Families
January 29 
Former Families
January 31 
Community Families

Youth Confirmation Dates

Contact John Guiney at 636.200.4736 for more information.

Manchester will be hosting the St. Louis area Confirmation Day with the Bishop this year on February 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Confirmands from around the state will have the opportunity to meet the Bishop at any of four locations (Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia and St. Louis) and enjoy a fun day of learning. The event is sponsored by CCYM – Conference Council of Youth Ministry and is planned and implemented by youth from the Missouri Conference.

The day will begin with learning stations based on prayers, presence, gifts and service and will conclude with worship with Bishop Robert Schnase. Manchester’s youth praise band, True North, will provide music leadership for the worship service.

Sunday, January 27
7:30 p.m.

A night of vocal jazz from Parkway North High School’s vocal jazz ensemble, The Sparkplugs.

Call the main office for more information at 636.394.7506.

The Sarah Scrapbooking Circle and Mom-to-Mom Cropping Group will be hosting an all day crop to help you organize, get started, or catch up on your albums! Bring your laptop to work on your digital projects! Invite your friends/neighbors and come join us part of the day or all day for fellowship, fun, and preserving your cherished memories! Bring your favorite snack to share with the group!

Please RSVP by February 20!

Bike Rehab Work Day

Contact Jim Vail with questions or to assist in planning at 636.207.1281.

Saturday, February 2
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Come to Old Fellowship Hall and help ready another batch of gently-used bicycles – clean, polish, change tires & tubes, minor repairs. No experience needed! All supplies are provided. Lunch is provided. Make a difference in the lives of those served by Kingdom House as we prepare bicycles to share with those in need

Women's Valentine Luncheon

To RSVP, contact Leona Dunsmoor at 636.294.3979.

Sunday, February 3
11:45 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Room 133

Our luncheon theme, “All You Need is Love,” will be led by Melissa Shaver with Walking in Grace ministries. Invite your female friends and relatives to join you for lunch and fellowship and be sure to let us know how many will be coming!

We will be serving soup, salad, rolls, cookies, and, of course, chocolate! Reservations and payment must be made in advance - no later than Wednesday, January 30.

Cost for each lady is $10.00.

To the generous donors and volunteers of Epworth Children & Family Services,

I am amazed by the bountiful spirit that is present in the folks who give so freely to Epworth. As individuals or in groups, you give so generously on a year ‘round basis. This holiday season was no exception! In addition, White Gifts Sunday, as well as fulfilled wish lists, gave our kids something to smile about, if just for one day.

Some of you shopped, some of you donated money, some of you wrapped gifts, and many of you did all three! Regardless of your level of involvement, you contributed to the joy that was felt by each and every child as they opened their gifts. Your kindness radiated through their faces and could be felt by all the staff. These are the moments we live for, and we thank you for that.

Another special thank you goes to all the VBS kids who donated so many wonderful school supplies. From the bottom of all our hearts, THANK YOU! Thank you for your generosity and thank you for touching the lives of our kids.

Happy New Year to you and yours!

Many blessings,
Margaret Mahan
Volunteer Coordinator
Epworth Children & Family Services

MUMC’s Trivia Night will be held February 29 at 7 p.m. at Spazio at Westport (at Hwy. 270 and Page). Tables seating up to 10 people will be sold for $120 ($12/person). We are planning on another sold out event so get your tickets early!

Tickets go on sale February 3 in between church services and will be on sale for four Sundays or until we sell out. Tickets may also be obtained by phone or email. The event is sponsored by the MUMC Christian Couples Fellowship Class and benefits Epworth Children & Family Services and the Shalom House/Metro Homeless Center.

Youth in our church will be fasting for 30 hours on February 22 and 23. This is an annual event where they fast, reflect on hunger and poverty throughout the world, and commit to raising money to help the millions of starving and hurting children in some of the world’s poorest countries, offering them a hope they could not otherwise have.

You can help too! Besides helping financially, individuals are needed to be prayer buddies for our Famine participants – to specifically pray for individual youth and write a note of encouragement for them to receive in their final hours of fasting.

Everyone is also invited to join the Youth as they break their 30 hour fast with a “poverty” dinner of beans and rice following worship on Saturday, February 23. This is a great opportunity to donate the money you have spent on a weekend dinner out with the satisfaction of knowing it will feed many hungry people. Just $30 will feed a child for a month.

Tom and Laura Jones' Efforts to Help MUMC Have Been Varied, Long-Term

by Ed Heins

to have an older member of the congregation on the front step to welcome us represented the old church feeling we still need today.
member tom jones

Long-time MUMC members Tom and Laura Jones’ efforts to build MUMC into a stronger religious community have been varied but consistent during their 40 years of membership.

Some of their church work has resulted in recognition, such as Tom being named United Methodist Man of the Year in 1985. Other efforts have been behind the scenes.

But, all have two characteristics: long-term consistency and a goal of building a sense of community among church members.

For the first time in over 20 years, Tom and Laura won’t be among the committee that assembles the church bulletins given to members attending worship services.

Even this seemingly mundane activity has an important element of fellowship building. The committee members meet at the church about 7:30 a.m. on Fridays and work 1½ hours to assemble the bulletins.

Asked about the early hour, Laura said, “We have to finish early so we can go to breakfast together.” Their destination is usually Uncle Bill’s Restaurant. Tom explained, “That’s about the only thing open that early.”

Tom and Laura felt MUMC’s emphasis on community-building was evident to them from their first worship service in 1967. At that time, the historic chapel was the worship place.

Laura said, “On that first Sunday, [the late] Rudy Schroeder was at the front door of the chapel to greet the worshipers.” Tom added, “To have an older member of the congregation on the front step to welcome us represented the old church feeling we still need today.”

Tom and Laura have worked at supplying food donated by MUMC members to Metro Ministries for years. “At first, we could put all of the food donated in the trunk of our car,” Tom remembers.

But, that program has grown to where a church van is now needed to make the transfer.

The Joneses were stalwarts from the beginning of their church membership at the Christmas tree lot. Again, consistent effort by volunteers such as Tom and Laura and many others have allowed that program to become an annual tradition.

One of their behind-the-scenes efforts that benefit the church is the recycling of cardboard boxes, primarily containers for food used for church meals.

Tom noticed years ago that the empty boxes were “overwhelming” the dumpsters at the church. He said, “We’re the ‘eatingest’ church.”

He and Laura heard of an organization in Webster Groves that recycles cardboard. So, they would breakdown the boxes, load the flats into their car and take it for recycling.

This is another of their efforts that have the element of long-term consistency of service.

Another constant for Tom and Laura has been their involvement in worship in the historic chapel. It was the site of their first worship service in 1967 and they continue to be involved today.

Laura sings in the chapel choir, acts as a greeter and also replenishes the information materials in the pews.

Laura has picked up a new service project. In 2007, she made and donated 670 baby caps for newborns at Missouri Baptist Hospital.

About their MUMC membership, Laura said, “Our 40 years as members of MUMC have been very much a part of our lives. We love our church and the many friends we have made within.”

The long-term, consistent efforts by members such as Tom and Laura have helped to enhance the MUMC experience over the years.

january 26 and 27
Isaiah 9:1-4
Psalm 27:1, 4-9
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Matthew 4:12-23

Saturday, 5 p.m.
Rev. Debby Peebles (Chapel)

Sunday, 8, 9 and 10:30 a.m. Traditional
Rev. Carl Schenck (Sanctuary)

Sunday, 9 and 10:30 a.m. Contemporary
Rev. Chris Williams (Fellowship Hall)

February 2 and 3
Scout Sunday
Exodus 24:12-18
Psalm 99
2 Peter 1:16-21
Matthew 17:1-9

Saturday, 5 p.m.
Rev. Steve Harbaugh (Chapel)

Sunday, 8, 9 and 10:30 a.m. Traditional
Rev. Chris Williams (Sanctuary)

Sunday, 9 and 10:30 a.m. Contemporary
Rev. Carl Schenck (Fellowship Hall)

February 6
Ash Wednesday
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Psalm 51:1-17
2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Wednesday, 6:45 p.m..
Rev. Debby Peebles (Sanctuary)

February 9 and 10
Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7
Psalm 32
Romans 5:12-19
Matthew 4:1-11

Saturday, 5 p.m.
Rev. Chris Williams (Chapel)

Sunday, 8, 9 and 10:30 a.m. Traditional
Rev. Carl Schenck (Sanctuary)

Sunday, 9 and 10:30 a.m. Contemporary
Rev. Chris Williams (Fellowship Hall)

Beatty “Wynn” and Beth Morgan, Jr. on the loss of his father, Beatty Wynn Morgan, Sr. on January 2. Grandfather of Caitlin, Sam, Thomas and Meredith Morgan.

Sue and Gary Shepard on the loss of her father, Frank Marosfalvi, on January 5. Grandfather of Ryan Shepard and Kylie Shepard.

January Menu
Chef Boyardee boxed pizza kit
Applesauce in plastic jar
Boxed Jell-O
Canned Corn
Optional: Kleenex

Staff:
Rev. Carl Schenck, Senior Pastor
Rev. Debby Peebles, Associate Pastor
Rev. Chris Williams, Associate Pastor
Rev. Steve Harbaugh, Minister of Adult Education
Dr. John Ward, Pastor Emeritus (Retired)
Peggy Andereck, Interim Children’s Education Director
Sherry Boland, Handbell Program Director
Lori Borger, Children’s Choirs and Drama
John Cargile, Organist
Tiffany Conway, Interim Circle of Friends Preschool Director
Nancy Cooper, Youth Director
Dennis Crosson, Program Director
Phil Estes, Business Administrator
John Guiney, Youth Director
Wanda Kuntz, Contemporary Music Director
Kevin McBeth, Director of Music Ministries
Kimberly Smith, Finance Director
Betsy Vicente, New Member and Volunteer Coordinator

Article Publication:
Articles submitted to The Messenger on the 1st Friday will be published on the 4th Friday of the same month.
Articles submitted to The Messenger on the 3rd Friday will be published on the 2nd Friday of the following month.
Please email submissions to themessenger@manchesterumc.org.