PrideFest – June 28 & 29

Once again this year LPUMC will have a booth at the annual gay and lesbian PrideFest in Tower Grove Park. This is an outreach event for our congregation. We want the GLBT community to know:

As a people of faith, we recognize the diversity of people created in the image of God.
We welcome to this congregation people of any age, gender, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, health status and any element of humanity created by God.

As usual there will be representatives of other churches near the park spreading a different message. We hope to be a positive force at PrideFest. We will be sharing information about the ministries we have here at LPUMC and inviting anyone who is interested to stop by for a visit.

We will also be walking in the “Grand Parade” on Sunday at noon. We would like everyone who can take a few hours on Sunday to join us for the walk down South Grand. It is important that we a good representation of our congregation to make sure the community understands that we really are a welcoming congregation.

For more information contact Chris Finley or Pastor Katheleen.

VIM to Juarez Mexico - Oct 11-17

Volunteer's In Mission to Juarez, Mexico - Lafayette Park UMC will be returning to Juarez, Mexico to build a home for a family who presently is living in a shelter consisting of wood pallets covered with cardboard.

The team will be working the week of October 11-17. Although we are not leaving for 4 months, We need to secure airline tickets as soon as possible. Cost for friends and members of Lafayette Park is $450 which includes airfare and food/lodging. Please contact Nancy Thuer (or 314-965-9231, team leader) if you are interested in attending this year's mission event. No experience necessary!

This is a wonderful way to share Christ's love with our neighbors in other countries. You can learn more about Operation HOGAR by clicking on the following link:

http://www.youtube.%20com/v/9Rg7_%20stsmWE

Tri-Ball-Athon - June 21st

The LPUMC Young Adult group will be participating in the Tri-Ball-Athon! This benefit for Metro Homeless Center and Family Services will consist of volleyball, kickball and bounce ball. Our team will be "competing" against some of St. Louis's finest!

Metro's new group, The Shalom Outreach Society, is hosting this - a lazy person's triathlon! Please join us for a day of food, festivities, and fun in Forest Park from 11am to 4pm on Saturday June 21st. BBQ, beverages, and other snacks will be available for purchase starting at 11am.

If your interested in joining our team, contact Victoria Leonard as soon as possible to finalize our team, options for car pooling and team attire!

120 Anniversary Celebration Month - May 2008

Celebrating Past, Present and Future at LPUMC
by Debra Crowe

Banners proclaim it, singers celebrate it and a month of special Sunday services commemorates it: the 120th anniversary of Lafayette Park United Methodist Church at its present location. Please join us during the month of May as we mark this momentous occasion.

May 4th is Mission Sunday. Hear representatives of Doorways, Epworth Children’s Home, Kingdom House Social Services Agency and Metro Homeless Center share information on their respective responses to the needy of our greater community. Learn about Volunteers In Mission trips to Juarez, Mexico to build homes for those who currently live in cardboard shelters. (The next trip is scheduled for October 11-17. To learn more, contact Nancy Thuer. Each will give a brief presentation during the service and will then be available in Fellowship Hall after the service to answer questions and provide more details.

On May 11th, celebrate Pentecost and Mother’s Day with a sermon as it would have been presented by Susanna Wesley, mother of John and Charles Wesley, founders of the early Methodist Church. This Sunday, the church will be collecting women’s toiletries to be given to a local shelter.

On May 18th, delight to the sound of our special musical guests, Charis Women’s Chorus. Following the service, Fellowship Hour moves to the front portico for an ice cream social.

On May 25th, Bishop Robert Schnase will deliver the day’s sermon. There will be Praise Dancers and special music by harpist Wayne Elrod. A barbecue lunch will follow the 10:00 service.

As you drive by the church, look out for the new banners designed for our anniversary. Proclaiming “Deep Roots, New Shoots,” they honor our rich history and anticipate future growth. If you’d like to be a part of that future, please come visit us.

Vacation Bible School - June 23 - 27th

Vacation Bible School is coming up, June 23-27. This year’s theme is Where Kids are Wild about God. Kids ages preschool through senior high are invited to bring their friends to experience Critter Crafts, Wild Games, The Mane Event, and lots of singing and laughter. Daily adventures are 6:00-8:30 p.m. and include a light supper.

Interested in a little summer excitement?

Call Kim at 427-6430 or the church office at 771-9414. VBS is free and open to all.

YASTA Night (Youth Pasta Night) - May 3rd

When it comes to pitching in, the kids of Lafayette Park United Methodist Church really step up to the plate—the dinner plate, that is. Join them on Saturday, May 3 from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. for YASTA Night in Fellowship Hall on the lower level of the church. On that day, the children and youth of the church will be preparing and serving a pasta dinner featuring your choice of lasagna or spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, dessert and beverage. Prices are $5.00 for adults and $2.50 for kids under 10. Proceeds will go towards the refurbishment of the bowling alley in the church.

YASTA night is the brainchild of Andy Wilder, son of Pastor Kathleen and Jim Wilder. He created the name (derived from a combination of youth and pasta) and even has a marketing jingle: “YASTA, YASTA, come eat your pasta!” The rap-like rendition he gives it is reflective of the energy that is sure to abound as children as young as five years of age pitch in to cook, serve, sell tickets and clear tables. There will be adult supervision for the event, but it really is the kids who are developing their leadership—and culinary—skills for this evening. This kitchen has room for a few more cooks, so if your child would like to help prepare the food (or serve or clear tables), please call the church office and leave a message, along with your name and contact information, for Pastor Kathleen who will pass along the offer to Chef Andy. If you aren’t able to come help prepare, do try to “YASTA, YASTA, come eat your pasta!”

Intercessory Prayer Study Group - May 12 - June 30

"The Workbook of Intercessory Prayer" will be the topic of this weekly group from May 12 - June 30.

Intercession is neither simple nor easy. So we don't walk this path without questions, doubt, and reticence. This seven-week study will give you an opportunity to experience the impact you can make on other people's lives through prayer.

For information contact Brenda Cooke

Spring Rummage Sale - May 2nd & 3rd

Spring Rummage Sale. Clothing, toys, house wares—whatever you need, you’ll find at a great price. Come to Fellowship Hall on the lower level on Friday, May 2 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 3 from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Saturday is Bag Day, when all you can fit into one bag (provided by the UMW) is only $1.00!

Church Work Day - April 26

It is time to do some minor repairs and a lot of deep cleaning. As we prepare for our 120th Anniversary Celebration (in May) we need to have the place looking great. Richard Eaton will be leading the effort on Saturday April 26th. Wear some old cloths and bring your work gloves, we'll meet at 9 AM and plan to be done by 1 PM.

Annual Book Sale - April 11th & 12th

On April 11 and 12, peruse the wide variety of titles at the United Methodist Women’s annual book sale. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday and 8:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday in the lower level of the church. Plan to arrive early for the best selection. On Saturday, you get all the books that will fit into one bag (available at the sale) for just $2.00.

Holy Week Schedule - March 2008

Easter time is here and once again we have additional services for everyone to take advantage of. The week of March 16 - March

Palm Sunday - Worship at 8 & 10 AM
Monday - Day of Fasting
Tuesday - Day of Prayer
Wednesday - Worship at 3 PM - Centenary Chapel*
Maundy Thursday - Worship at 7 PM - Centenary Chapel*
Good Friday - Worship at 7 PM
Saturday - Easter Egg Hunt (12:45 PM see below!)
Easter Sunday - Worship at 8 & 10 AM

* Pastor Kathleen will be leading services at our sister church, Centenary UMC. All are welcome at all services at either location.

Preschool Trivia Night - Saturday March 29

If you’re a resident of the Square who has young children, you may already be aware of LPUMC’s preschool, a cooperative effort between teacher Edna Coleman and the parents of her students. (If you’re not familiar with the program, and would like more information, you may leave a message for Edna at 771-9214, ext. 15 or contact her via email at (lppreschool@sbcglobal.net.) And if you’ve lived on or around the Square for a while, you may also be familiar with the school’s primary fundraiser: Preschool Trivia Night! Game night this year is Saturday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m. in the gym at the back of the church on the first floor. (Enter through the red door on the west side of the building.) In addition to the chance to compete with your friends and neighbors for the winner of the night’s trivia challenge, you’ll also have the opportunity to bid on a variety of items in the silent auction. Table reservations will be taken starting Sunday, March 3, so get the gang together, brush up on your trivia and come on over. For ticket information and to reserve space, contact Edna at the above phone number or email address.

Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday March 22

On Saturday, March 22, Lafayette Park UMC is excited to welcome The Easter Bunny, who will be hosting the annual Easter Egg Hunt. The festivities kick off at 12:45 p.m. in Fellowship Hall from which Mr. Bunny will lead the party to the park. Children will be divided into groups according to age for the hunt, which will start at 1:00. Afterwards, guests will follow the Bunny Trail back to the church for photos with the Easter Bunny, games, snacks and special treats. The Easter Egg Hunt is open to all. For more information, please email heartreach@gmail.com.

Follow-up: For photos of the 2008 Easter Egg Hunt follow this link to our Flikr site:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lpumc/sets/72157604236058362/

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner - Saturday March 15th

The annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner. On March 15, from noon to 7:00 p.m., the United Methodist Women—with a little help from their friends—will be serving up your choice of corned beef or roast beef plus vegetables, bread and butter, dessert and a drink for just $6.00 for adults and $2.50 for children under 12.

Join us in Fellowship Hall on the lower level of the church. You may enter through the door under the blue awning on the north side of the church or through the red door that faces the parking lot on the west side. If you’re short on time, call ahead for carry-out: 773-1246. Whether you dine at our house or yours, this is one meal you don’t want to miss!

Free Music Concert March 1st: Shawn Thomas

LPUMC will be hosting a free concert by Christian Recording Artist, Shawn Thomas. Shawn is an "out and affirming" contemporary Christian artist whose musical background is as varied as his spiritual journey. He grew up in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and now incorporates traditional with non-traditional spiritual experiences believing that practices of faith and grace are never in conflict. He uses music as an expression of his faith including styles of music ranging from praise/worship, to pop/dance, to country/folk to rock/soul. Shawn visits churches, groups, and events sharing in concerts, workshops, and spoken message.

We are thrilled to be hosting Shawn's St. Louis concert.

When: Saturday evening March 1st, 7:30 PM
Where: Lafayette Park UMC - 2300 Lafayette Ave. 63104
Reception immediately following in Fellowship Hall


For more information on Shawn visit these links:
Shawn Website
Live Concert Footage at God Tube
Faith Unashamed (music video - YouTube)

Biggest Loser - Jan 24th-May 23rd

LPUMC will have its very own version of the Biggest Loser. If you are above your ideal weight for your height and age, have been feeling slow and sluggish and without energy to do the things you want to do with your children, grandchildren, or spouse THEN this is the program for you. Here is how we vision it working:

1. Program to begin on Thursday, January 24th, with a weigh-in at church and will conclude on May 23rd.


2. Entry donation of $25.00 due at time of weigh-in. ½ of the total amount received to be donated toward a 2008 apportionment, to be determined by the participants. The more participants, the greater the donation!


3. Only YOU and one other person will know your weights


4. All participants will receive an assigned “code” at the time of the weigh-in


5. Weekly weigh-ins will occur each Thursday evening beginning February 7th between 5:30 and 7:00pm down in the Fellowship Hall.


6. All participants will have their beginning and weekly weights posted by their assigned “code”.


7. The participant with the greatest percentage of weight loss at the end of this 16 week period will be awarded the remainder of the entrance fees to either keep or donate, their choice.


8. At each Thursday’s weigh-in there will be an opportunity to join in a stretching and walking exercise and enjoy a brown-bag dinner with the other contestants. It would be appropriate to share any success stories you have at that time.

NOTE: If you should decide not to complete the program in its’ entirety your entry donation will be forfeited.

If interested, please let us know you will be participating. You may notify Sheryl Smothers either by phone (583-4914) or e-mail no later than January 27, 2008. Wouldn’t it be great to have a new spring in your step and loads of energy?

Pumpkin Patch - October 15-31

Oct 14 - Pumpkins arrive and help is needed to unload.

Oct 14 - Blessings of the Pets 3:00 pm. Bring your pet in “animal” or even a picture. All pets will be blessed in the Pumpkin Patch.

Oct 21 - Family Fest, 10:00 - 5:00. Make it a day of FUN with the entire family. Enjoy face painting, games, Cotton Candy, etc.

Pumpkin Patch is open October 15-31:

• Monday - Saturday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm,
• Sundays: Noon - 5:00 pm

Don’t forget to remind everyone and yourself, to visit the patch.


How do you mend a broken Jack-o-lantern?

Annual Charge Conference - Oct 29th

The Charge Conference is the Church's Annual Meeting for business and ministry. All members of the congregation are encouraged to attend. Elections take place and “State of the Church” is announced. This meeting will take place at 1:30pm on Sunday, October 29.

Habitat for Humanity Home Dedication - Nov 18th

Please mark your calendars (even if you didn't have the opportunity to work) for the dedication of the homes in the JVL build for this year. It will be Saturday, November 18th at 10:30 a.m. at Columbia Elementary School. This school is the one which is directly across the street from the Turner home. The address is 3120 St. Louis Ave. / 63108.

After the dedication we are invited to go to the Turner home for a celebration. We would love to give Toni and her family a house-warming gift but you'll hear more on that as the time gets closer to the date of dedication.

Reserve the date. A plan to car-pool from the church parking lot is a possibility.