Homecoming - Sept. 14

“A return to one’s home; arrival at home.” That’s how the dictionary defines homecoming. At Lafayette Park UMC, we’re celebrating Homecoming on September 14, and everyone is invited!

Traditionally, Homecoming is a time for former members and attendees to return to the church they once called home, but now—for a variety of reasons—no longer attend on a regular basis. It gives them the opportunity to reconnect with friends and to see what’s going on in the church community of which they were once a part. To this end, we’re publicizing the day in News & Views, on the church website and to those in the LPUMC email group, and in MO UM Net News.

This year, we’d like to broaden the invitation to include those looking for a church home. News of Homecoming will be included in the LPUMC article in the September issue of the Marquis and, if possible, will also travel through electronic avenues to reach those in the surrounding area.

If you know of past friends of the church who would like to revisit LPUMC and/or those who would enjoy learning more about us, please invite them to worship and fellowship with us on September 14 at 10 AM.

Sunday School Class Returns - Sept 14

It's BACK TO SCHOOL time. Time for our children to return to their classrooms at school and begin their lessons again. They will be stretching their imaginations, and building their knowledge and skills to prepare for the world.

September also marks the return of Sunday School Class at LPUMC. We have a place for all our children, preschool through 12th grade, with teachers who are glad to be there to share the Bible stories through storytelling, fun games, engaging crafts, music, and thoughtful conversation. The children and youth will be growing their faith through engaging their imaginations and building their knowledge of God’s Holy Word, to prepare for life.

Our children need both kinds of educational experiences. It is my prayer that you will pray about including your children in this important opportunity at church to explore and grow their faith. An Adult Bible Class is also available during the same time to help you grow your faith too.

Class convenes from 9:00am-9:50, Sunday mornings, beginning September 14th, in the lower level of LPUMC.

Disciple Bible Study Journeys Begin this Fall!

ONE OF THE WAYS that we believe that God speaks to us is through the scriptures of the Bible. So studying the Bible, especially in community with other learners, is an exciting journey that can result in a deeper relationship with God, with others, and with our own spirits.

Disciple Bible Study 1: "Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study" is a committed 34-week study designed to include beginners, who may never have owned a Bible, and for those who have studied scripture all their lives. DBS study requires a serious commitment to attendance and participation, but the pay off is priceless! You will have about 30 minutes of homework each day of reading, reflection, and prayer. In the spring, we will complete our study together at a Spiritual Retreat. Pastor Sharon will facilitate this study.

DBS Mini Course: Is a short term Disciple Bible Study will also be offered this fall, meeting 90 minutes, once a week for 8-11 weeks. The day and time are yet to be announced. Daron Smith will be the facilitator.

Important Dates:

• 8/31 - DBS-1 Informational Meeting - for all those interested in learning more about DBS. Sunday, August 31st at 11:15pm, Downstairs in Fellowship Hall


• 9/21 - DBS-1 Orientation Meeting - for those committed to participate this fall. Sunday, September 21th from 1:00-2:15pm.


• 9/28 - Regular Classes will commence at LPUMC on September 28th
  Sunday afternoons from 1:00-3:30pm.

You do not need to be a member of our congergation to participate! Come with us as we prepare to embark on the journey of our lives…into The Word.

Questions or interest? Contact Pastor Sharon at 771-9214

Grace Squared Logo Contest!

The Contemporary Worship Team/Worship Committee needs your help to plan a new look and feel for the Grace Squared service (formerly known as the 8:00 am service!). We need a logo to visually share the name, Grace Squared. If you are interested, draw or create a logo by August 13, 2008. You can put them in the offering plate, or drop them by the church office.

Please participate - it doesn't have to be professional quality. Crayon drawings are welcome, so get the kids involved! We'll take a selection of the logos and further refine them to share back with everyone for input on the final logo. Your logo idea can also include visual representation of our church values, so be creative! Keep in mind that we want to create a logo that is welcoming to all, especially those unfamiliar with church life.

If you have any questions, contact Matt Brazelton or Bethany Spaulding.