Homecoming Celebration - Sept. 19th

Please join us as we kickoff the fall season on this very special Sunday. It is a great time to see old friends and make new ones. If it is your first Sunday, welcome. If it is your first Sunday since Spring, welcome back.




SPECIAL Guest Speaker, Dr. Aubry Jones
Recently retired from Beloved Community UMC after many years of service to the people of God. Dr. Jones, mentor to our own Pastor Kathleen, will grace us with his presence and his insights.

Our Choir Returns
After their summer recess the Choir will again delight us with their inspiring musical selections. [New members Welcome! - Practice on Wednesdays]

“Old Fashioned Methodist Potluck Dinner”
Join with friends, members, former members and guests as we recall the memories of potlucks past and celebrate with wonder the bounty with which God has blessed us all!



Bowling Alley Rededication
Join the fun, as Pastor Kathleen and “Chief Renovator” George Grove, will be joined by the Silent Auction Winners and will bowl the first balls in the newly renovated facility. The bowling alley is seen not only as a place for fellowship but also will provide outreach opportunities to the community.

Fall Adventures In Faith - Begins Sept 23!

Come join us during this seven week series to learn, develop relationships, and grow in your faith life. We being on Thursday September 23rd and conclude on November 4th. We will gather at 6:00 pm for a light shared supper and fellowship. At 6:30, we will share a devotion and prayer. From 6:45-8:00 pm, you can choose to participate in one small group faith adventure. This fall the choices are:

1. EXPLORE OUR FAITH: Learn about prayer through the practice of meditation with Brenda Cook and Becky Mueller.
2. EXPLORE THE WORD: Explore the Psalms with Stephanie Leonard
3. EXPLORE THROUGH LITERATURE: The "Screwtape Letters", a book study. Become aware of how Satan and his host of fallen angels work in the hearts and lives of men, especially Christians, in this artfully written book by C. C.S. Lewis. Led by Nicole Knepper.
4. CRAFTS: Bring your handwork to visit and make beautiful things.

NEW DAYTIME OFFERING!
We will also be offering an afternoon Adventure in Faith! Beginning September 22 on Wednesdays from 2 p.m.— 4 p.m.

1. EXPLORE THE PARABLES OF JESUS: Study led by Olivia Natwick

If you have any questions contact Pastor Kathleen. If you would like to sign up, just email the church secretary.

New Ministry Intern Stephanie Leonard

Stephanie Leonard is joining the pastoral staff here at LPUMC. She is currently a student at Eden Theological seminary and a certified candidate in the Gateway Central district. She has pastoral experience as a hospital chaplain at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Peters , Missouri.

Stephanie is pursuing a second vocation in the ministry and has an extensive background in business and military. She is a veteran of the Iraq war. She has been awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service in the combat zone. With 20 years of military service, she has recently been commissioned Chief Warrant Officer in the Missouri National Guard, the first woman in Missouri to achieve that rank.

We are delighted to have Stephanie with us and pray for her success in her studies at Eden. We look forward to being a part of her journey toward ordination and are eager to see what blessings our Father has in store for all of us.

Operacion HOGAR VIM Team Prepares for October Trip

Once again the Lafayette Park UMC Volunteer In Mission team is gearing up for a trip to Juarez Mexico. The team will head south to work with our friends at Operacion HOGAR to build safe housing for a family in Juarez.

For more details contact Nancy Thuer or Jim Wilder.

To read more about last years mission, check out this post . . .

Good Luck Aaron & Caroline!

From Worship-Ash Wed 2010

All of us at LPUMC want to thank Aaron and Caroline Ban for the time they spent with us while working with the young adults. And the choir will be short a couple great voices. You have been a blessing to us and we will keep both of you in our thoughts and prayers.

Aaron Ban, will be the new pastor at St. Peter's Evangelical United Church of Christ in Granite City, IL beginning September 12, 2010. This will be a part-time position and he and Caroline will be living in the Pastor's residence.

At the present time Aaron is traveling and is in Seattle working with a Pastor whose ministry is working with the homeless. On August 15, Aaron will travel to Georgia for a 3 day conference and then he and Caroline will be packing and moving from Webster Groves to Granite City.

Aaron wants everyone to know that, "Caroline and I are grateful for the time we spent at LPUMC, a church community that embraced and nurtured us both."

Vacation Bible School July 19-22, at The Bridge

Through the generosity of Living Word United Methodist Church in Wildwood, MO, SportsLife Camps will be bringing an evening Vacation Bible School program to The Bridge for kids to enjoy. On Monday, July 19, through Thursday, July 22, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. each evening, all children in 1st through 6th grades (what they'll be entering in fall 2010) will be welcomed to join the fun at Cententary for this program.

Sara Cleary, Director of Children's Ministries at Living Word says, "This will be our 3rd summer offering SportsLife Camp at Living Word. It has been an awesome experience for all involved." They wanted to offer the same program to children of our guests at The Bridge, those that reside in area homeless shelters with their parents and for children who live in the downtown area who may not otherwise have the availability for VBS this summer. Living Word arranged for SportsLife to come to Centenary as part of their Community Outreach program.

As Sara goes on to say, "The SportsLife Team Counselors simply show up with a trailer full of supplies and lead the camp - much different than a 'traditional' VBS". This year's theme is "REACH". The time at VBS will be spent with upbeat song and dance, arts & crafts, a Bible lesson with a DVD component, and then actual "sport instruction" in various areas. And of course, a snack!

It is desired that all campers pre-register, but walk-ins will be welcomed as well. There is no cost to any children who attend the VBS at Centenary. Open registration begins each night at 6:15 pm right inside the door off the parking lot at Centenary UMC. For more information or to register your child for VBS, please contact The Bridge.

McKinley Peace Community Garden

From McKinley Peace Community Garden-2010

The raised beds are in and the plantings are done! This summers marks the first season for the McKinley Peace Community Garden. The garden is a project of Lafayette Park UMC and the McKinley Classical Jr Academy.

The garden is located in at McKinley Classical Jr Academy. If you have a few minutes drop by and check on the progress. If you have an extra 30 minutes, check with Fred Domke an offer to help out. There are always opportunities to share your skills either with the earth or the students.

Shalom House July Supply Drive

LPUMC is having a supply drive for Shalom House during the month of July. We are collecting donations of the following:

• Paper towels
• Cleaning supplies
• Trash bags

Shalom House has a large need for these items, so LPUMC is trying to stock them up! Please drop off any donations in the container downstairs in Fellowship Hall.

Shalom House offers innovative programs to empower women who are homeless and mentally ill to seek treatment and acquire the skills needed to become self-sufficient. They provide emergency shelter for 25 women and transitional housing for another dozen. Shalom House is a United Methodist Vital Ministry.

Thank you all for your continual support of Shalom House.

PrideFest 2010 Update

Celebrating with purpose and pageantry and energized by the buoyant presence of multiple congregations, including Lafayette Park UMC, thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have marched, sung and reflected their way through Gay Pride. Once again Lafayette Park participated in St Louis LGBT PrideFest on June 26 & 27 in Tower Grove Park

.

Several dozen members of the congregation either manned the booth or stopped by to offer support and bring friends to see what we are all about. Besides being an opening and welcoming congregation, we have offer many opportunities to get engaged in social justice. What a great weekend

.

Thanks to everyone that helped make this a great event for our church and the community. Mark your calendar now for PrideFest 2011, June 25th & 26th.

LPUMC Prepares for PrideFest: June 26-27

Once again, 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 LGBT community to know:

As a people of faith, we recognize the diversity of people created in the image of God. As a congregation, we welcome 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. What can you do?

It is simple. Volunteer to staff the booth in the park on Saturday or Sunday. Everyone is welcome! We will answer questions about our ministries, how they can get involved and assure them they are welcome. Well need two volunteers per shift, two hour shifts, starting at 11, 1, 3 and 5 both days.

Pride 2009

Look for sign-up sheets every Sunday in June and for updates on the Yahoo Group. If you have any questions or to volunteer, contact Chris Finley at 314-630-7482 or email

Pastor Sharon's Last Sunday June 13!

Pastor Sharon Kichline has been appointed as Pastor of Smith Creek and Central Grove Charge United Methodist Churches. Her last Sunday at Lafayette Park will be June 13. There will be a big sendoff right after the 9:30 Worship.

From Pastor Sharon Kichline Ordination

Pastor Sharon was also ordained an elder of the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church on Saturday June 5h at the Annual Conference in Springfield Missouri.

Read more on ordination ...

Happy Birthday Pastor Kathleen

From Pastor Kathleen's 50th Birthday Celebration-May 2010

LPUMC began Pastor Kathleen's 50th birthday celebration on Sunday, May 2, by fulfilling a wish of Pastor Kathleen's, to "fill the church". Sharon Domke, Lay Leader, presented Pastor Kathleen with a corsage for her special day.

On Friday, May 7, LPUMC and Centenary gathered together at Centenary for a surprise music celebration from members of both churches.

See photos of the music celebration.

New Sunday Worship Time: 9:30 AM

Beginning Sunday June 13th Sunday Worship will begin at 9:30 AM!

After much discussion and prayer we have decided to combine our 8 and 10 AM Sunday Worship into one main event! Thanks to everyone who participated in the process to better server our congregation and reach out to the community. Be sure to set your alarm for the new time beginning June 13th!

Mothers' Day Offering for Festival of Sharing

This Sunday we will be collecting a special offering of items to make baby layettes for new mothers who have been dislocated by natural disasters in Chile and Haiti.

Please bring your contribution to the worship service on May 9th, Mother's Day, in honor or memory of the important women in your life. It has been requested that all items be new and under 12-month in size.

Each layette will need:

• 6 cloth diapers
• 2 t-shirts or undershirts
• 2 washcloths
• 2 gowns or sleepers
• 2 diaper pins
• 1 sweater or sweatshirt
• 2 receiving blankets (one can be a 3x3 knitted blanket)

The children of the church are invited to help assemble the layettes the following Sunday, May 16th, during Sunday school time, beginning at 9am.

More info on the Festival of Sharing

Hands In Mission - May 15th

Pencil in Saturday morning, May 15th, to lend your hands in mission. We'll be cleaning, planting, and possibly painting, at The Bridge, a UM Ministry based at Centenary UMC.

We will meet at 8:00am in the parking lot to carpool.

If you missed the event, her are some great photos . . .

Hands In Mission-The Bridge May 2010

March For Justice - May 1st

You are invited to join us in a march for immigrant rights on Saturday, May 1 at 11:30 AM., from the America's Center to Kiener Plaza. A rally will include Nobel Prize winner Rigoberta Menchu, and will focus on concerns of migrant workers, violence against women migrants, family unity (detention and deportation) and racial profiling.

Justice begins with hearing the voice that cries out, but is unable to make persons in power hear them. We have heard their cry, and now have the opportunity to help them be heard. We are guided by our United Methodist Social Principles, which speak to the Rights of Immigrants:

"We affirm the right of all persons to equal opportunities for employment, access to housing, health care, education, and freedom from social discrimination. We urge the church and society to recognize the gifts, contributions, and struggles of those who are immigrants and to advocate for justice for all."

Bishop Minerva Carcano, who leads the UMC Task Force on immigration, will lead the rally. Our Missouri Bishop, Robert Schnase, will also participate. 18th Assembly of United Methodist Women, is taking place at at the America’s Center the same day and will be joining us. We hope to have a strong presence from Lafayette Park United Methodist Church there too!

Carpools will be meet in the LPUMC parking lot Saturday morning, leaving at 10:30 AM. Put it on your calendar now to reserve the date. Call Pastor Sharon with questions at 566-0332.

Overview of UMC Immigration Rights . . .

First 2010 Hands In Mission - April 24th

Inspired by the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., LIVE THE DREAM - LIVE UNITED is an inter generational, interfaith, multicultural initiative that engages volunteers throughout the year.

We have been invited to join North Grand Neighborhood Services and Sts. Teresa and Bridget Church on April 24 for the next Day of Service in memory of Dr. King. We will be working in the Jeff Vanderlou Neighborhood, cleaning, and planting flowers.

So, find your work gloves and favorite ole’ t-shirt, and plan now to join a local mission team from Lafayette Park UMC as we work with our North Grand neighbors in making the city beautiful.

Meet at the church at 8:30 to carpool over to Sts. Teresa and Bridget Church. Lunch is provided at noon.

Questions? Contact Chris Kinder at or Pastor Sharon at 566-0332

More info on LIVE THE DREAM - LIVE UNITED

Photos from the event:

Hands In Misssion-North Grand Neighborhood Services April 2010

Adventures in Faith Begins April 8th

Come join us during this six week series to learn, develop relationships, and grow in your faith life. We being on Thursday April 8 and conclude on May 13th. We will gather at 6:00 pm for a light shared supper and fellowship. At 6:30, we will share a devotion and prayer. From 6:45-8:00 pm, you can choose to participate in one small group faith adventure. This winter, the four choices are:

1. Explore our Faith: Personal Devotional Habits
   
2. Explore the Word: Bible Study
   
3. Exploring Health: Low-impact Fitness Class
   
4. Crafts: Bring your knitting, crocheting, or other crafts and visit while you make beautiful things together

Childcare will be provided.

Sign up now by calling the church office at 771-9214, speak to a Pastor, or sign up during worship.

Holy Week Schedule - 2010

Easter time is here and once again we have additional worship services for everyone to take advantage of.

• Palm Sunday - Worship at 8 & 10 AM - March 28th
  


• Maundy Thursday - Worship at 7 PM - Centenary Chapel - April 1st
  


• Good Friday - Worship at 7 PM - April 2nd
  


• Saturday - Easter Egg Hunt - 10:30AM -April 3rd
  

Easter Sunday

• 8AM - Reflections on an Empty Tomb
  This service will offer a contemporary, contemplative experience at the end of the Easter Vigil. It will begin in darkness and grow into the resurrected light and life of Christ.

• 8:30-9:30 AM - Breakfast
  Please join us in Fellowship Hall
  

• 10 AM - An Easter Celebration
  This service will offer a traditional celebration of Easter just briefly reminding us of Good Friday and experiencing Resurrection as we worship.
  

Easter Egg Hunt and Party! - April 3rd

On Saturday, April 3rd, Lafayette Park UMC is excited to welcome The Easter Bunny, who will be hosting the annual Easter Egg Hunt.

The festivities kick off at 10:30 a.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. After wards 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.

We'll be preparing the eggs for the hunt on Sunday March 28th after worship.

For more information, please email Pastor Sharon.

Roast Beef Dinner - Saturday Feb 27th

You will not want to miss the Sprint Roast Beef dinner. This Spring's dinner is a fundraiser for this Fall's Mission trip to Juarez. Enjoy roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad and desert; as well as great fellowship. See you in Fellowship Hall on Saturday February 27th, from noon to 7 pm.

Ash Wednesday Service - 2/17/10 7 PM

There will be a combined Ash Wednesday worship service, Ash Wednesday February 17th at Beloved Community UMC at 7pm. Our choir will sing, and Pastor Kathleen will be bringing the message. The church is very near LPUMC, located at 3115 Park. Click on the link below to get driving directions.

Adventures in Faith Begins February 18th

Come join us during this six week series to learn, develop relationships, and grow in your faith life. We will gather at 6:00 pm for a light shared supper and fellowship. At 6:30, we will share a devotion and prayer. From 6:45-8:00 pm, you can choose to participate in one small group faith adventure. This winter, the four choices are:

1. Bible Study: The New Testament
2. Book Study: The Externally Focused Church
3. Exploring Prayer
4. Crafts and things (bring your knitting, crocheting, or other crafts and visit while you make beautiful things together)

Childcare will be provided.
Sign up now by calling the church office at 771-9214, speak to a Pastor, or sign up during worship.

All Church Celebration - Sunday Jan. 31st

Join us on Sunday January 31st during Fellowship Time after the 10am Worship Service for a shared meal of hot soup and bread. Our meal will be followed by a celebration of our ministries in 2009 and a conversation about our direction for 2010. All Invited!

Stewardship Banner!

"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of he least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." - Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

On January 17 the Stewardship Committee will introduce to the congregation a new concept in keeping track of our commitment to the many ministries that we support locally, nationally and throughout the world. The WCDANS have made a wonderful banner that will be displayed in the Sanctuary. This will serve as a visual reminder to the congregation of how faithful and committed we are to our many ministries.

The banner has a tree without foliage. Every time 2% of the funds for covering our portion of the cost to support these ministries is achieved, a leaf will be added. It will also serve as a testament to anyone who enters our Sanctuary that we are "...a church without walls, creating a visible sign of Christ's presence in our urban community and beyond."

Our prayer is that this tree will be full of leaves before Advent 2010.

Photos of LPUMC at Christmas

Lafayette Park UMC participated in the 2009 Lafayette Square Holiday Parlor Tour. One of our guests took some great photos of the church and the jazz band that was entertaining. Our thanks to Crystal Rolfe.



View all the photos . . .

Family Fun Night - International Winter Holdiay - Jan 16th

This will be our first "Family Fun Night". The theme for this event will be "International Holiday Celebrations". Come learn about different cultures and how they celebrate the holidays. Bring your favorite dish or family traditional dish to share. This is a potluck with the event starting at 6 p.m. with dinner.

• Do you know where the tradition of the Christmas tree originated?
• Do you know how Christmas/Holiday cards came to be a normal item in the fabric of our lives? NO it was not Hallmark!
• What about your own family traditions. do you know why you do certain things, or was it something your parents/grandparents always did?

Join us on Saturday evening January 16th to find our the answers to these questions and so much more.

Schnucks eScrip Community Card = $600

That’s right; purchases at Schnucks in 2008 have resulted in over $600 for LPUMC! Thanks to members and friends taking advantage of the Schnucks eScrip Community Card to raise money for LPUMC.

In case you have missed out on the opportunity to help LPUMC, here is how it works. Schnucks has setup the program to benefit schools, churches and other non-profits. At no cost to you or LPUMC; Schnucks will automatically rebate a percent of your purchases back to LPUMC. All you need to do is present a registered Schnucks eScrip Community Card when you check out. It is that simple.

Here is what you need to do:

1. Pickup a Schnucks eScrip Community Card at the Schnucks Service Desk or the LPUMC church office.
2. Register the Card at http://www.escrip.com/merchants/identity/schnucks/community_stl.jsp or call (800) 931-6258 (8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., CST, Monday-Friday). Indicate Lafayette Park United Methodist Church – Group ID# 500005538 as your organization.
3. Show the Card When You Checkout. Remember anyone can pick up a card and designate LPUMC as the charity of their choice! Also, if you already have a card and have designated another organization, you can split your purchases or change the organization by visiting www.escrip.com.

If you have any questions, please see Chris Finley or check out www.escrip.com

Christmas Eve Schedule - Dec. 24th

4:00 p.m. - Family Worship

This service will be an interactive family experience. It will include our carols and will focus on the Journey to Find Jesus, inviting the children to travel around the Sanctuary in search of the baby Jesus. The children will again be invited to serve Holy Communion.

9:30 p.m. - Fellowship Gathering

A Christmas Eve Fellowship Gathering will begin at LPUMC. Bring your family and friends to meet your church family and share Christmas cookies and hot chocolate.

10:30 p.m. - Music Program

11:00 p.m. - Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship

This is our traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship, rich with sacred music provided by the choir, and the sharing of Holy Communion. Worship will conclude at midnight as candlelight is passed to everyone, and the darkened sanctuary is illuminated.

Come join us to celebrate the birth of Jesus!

Christmas Cantata - Sunday Dec 20th 10 AM

What is a Cantata? It's a composition for one or more voices usually comprising solos, duets, recitatives, and choruses and sung to an instrumental accompaniment that tells a story.

Please join us on Sunday December 20th for our annual Christmas Cantata. Instead of our usual worship, we will turn the entire service over to music. From Joy to the World, Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, and the Glory of the Lord we'll have a full hour of special Christmas Carols.

Breakfast with Santa - Sat December 12th - 9:30 AM

Saturday, December 12 from 9:30-11:00 a.m.

Children under the age of 10 years and their parents are invited to join us in Fellowship Hall for a light breakfast and a visit with Santa.

Fun, food and pictures with Santa will be provided at no cost. Just come and enjoy!
Sponsored by the WCDANS and friends

Kingdom House Christmas Shop

Look for the Christmas trees in the hallways leading into the sanctuary. These trees are decorated with a wish list that has been provided from Kingdom House for their Christmas Shop.

The Kingdom House Christmas Shop serves needy families from the urban area through offering parents an opportunity to come and select age-appropriate gifts and clothing for their children from tables laden with new, unwrapped gifts and good clothing (new and used). Then mom or dad receive wrapping paper and ribbons, so they can lovingly prepare each gift and set them under the tree for their children. It's not just a gift for the child, but a gift of respect for the parent who is assisted in being the gift-giver.

We are collecting items for delivery on Friday, December 11th so they can get ready to distribute them. There is a large box next to each tree to place your donations.

On the back of the wish list is a list of times that they also need volunteers to help with the gift shop. If you have any time available, they would love the extra hands.

Thank you in advance for your extravagant generosity!

For more on Kingdom House>>

Progressive Dinner - Nov 14th

Come join us for a delicious dinner sponsored by the LPUMC Men’s Group on November 14th.

The tickets are $20 per person, and you can reserve your space now with an RSVP to Daron Smith or Jim Wilder. Proceeds will go to support our covenants with our sisters and brothers in Mozambique. Childcare will be provided at the church from 6 PM until 9 PM.

Walking Home . . . A Walk in Solidarity to End Homelessness - Nov 14th

Gather with those yearning to end homelessness in St. Louis.

When: Saturday, November 14 at 10am
Where: The Bridge, located at Centenary United Methodist Church
What: A Walk in Solidarity so wear your walking shoes…

The annual Walking Home event to be held this year on Saturday, November 14. If you walked last year, you may have had the opportunity to talk with a guest of The Bridge (then Centenary CARES) and have your eyes--and your heart--opened to the reality of homelessness in a way that no news story or compilation of statistics can do. There is no reservation required. Please bring as many friends and family members as are interested. There is no fee; we merely ask for a goodwill donation that will be used to fund The Bridge ministry.

Please join others in helping to increase awareness of the situation of those who are trying to find their way home.

Turkey Dinner - Saturday Nov.7

The annual Turkey Dinner and Holiday Bazaar is scheduled for Saturday November 7 from Noon until 7 PM. Stop by for lunch or dinner or in between. For $7 you'll be treated to turkey, dressing, potatoes, veggies, a desert and tea or coffee! Best deal in town!

Fellowship Hall is located in the lower level of the church. You can enter through the handicap entrance on Lafayette Ave. or through the side parking lot.

Operacion HOGAR VIM Team Returns!

Our Volunteers in Mission (VIM) team from Lafayette Park U.M.C. just returned from building a house in Juarez, Mexico for Operacion HOGAR. It was a wonderful week of sharing with our neighbors in Mexico. Despite all of the media blitzes reporting escalating violence in Mexico, we experienced the same warmth, hospitality and feeling of security and safety that we have always known in our travels there.

As we planned our trip, we considered the dangers and risks that we are sure many of you have also considered. We contacted our host, Jose Ramos. He assured us that the problems in Mexico occur with drugs and gangs, but that there would be no risk in the area where we were working or at the mission house. We did have a wonderful trip and a very meaningful experience during our week. We walked to and from the marketplace, the ice cream shop and bakery just as always.

When we were first introduced to the family for whom we were building a house, my first feeling was one of joy that we had gone forth with our planning. Jose informed us that we were only the 4th team that had come to Juarez this year. Normally he greets 40 teams each year. It was difficult to know that Jose and our maestros have had almost no work this year, and that the families waiting for safe shelter have been put on hold indefinitely.

My purpose for writing this letter is to inform you of our experience in Juarez last week and hopefully encourage your church to consider taking a team to Operacion HOGAR or sending funding to have a house built by the maestros. The future of Operacion HOGAR is at serious risk. It is too valuable a ministry to ignore on account of fear generated by sensationalism by the media.

Please prayerfully consider your continued support to Volunteers in Mission and Operacion HOGAR. I would be happy to assist your team or any interested individuals with planning for a trip or answer any questions that you might have.

In Christ,

Nancy Thuer
Missouri Project Coordinator, Operacion HOGAR

Youth Trivia Night 2009 - Oct. 17th

Are you Smarter than a Youth?

Who: The Gospel Rockers (Youth Group), Lafayette Park United Methodist Church

What: Trivia Night 2009

When: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, October 17th - Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Fellowship Hall, 2300 Lafayette Avenue, St.Louis, Mo 63104

Sponsors: The Gospel Rockers (Youth Group) of LPUMC

Cost: $10 each seat or $80 for a table

Info: (314) 602-0318

Details: Reserve a table for this fun and “youthful” event. Questions will cover high school topics from geography, math, literature and even the 3-R’s. Come and join other adults to relive your high school years and see if you still remember things you learned as a youth.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Trivia starts at 7 p.m. Cost is $10.00 a person or $80.00 per table. Soda and popcorn are included, while supplies last. To reserve a table or for more information, contact Chad Johnson, Youth Director by calling 314.602.0318 or e-mail: lpyouth@sbcglobal.net.
Additionally, a silent auction will be available and mulligan’s will be for sale.

This event is an adult only event. This fundraiser supports activities of the Youth Group in the area of missions, conferences, service projects and just fun.

Come to the Pumpkin Patch!

Enjoy the Straw Maze!
Pick out the BEST Pumpkin!
October 10-31
Mon-Sat - 10:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday - Noon to 6:00pm

Special Events -
Saturday October 17th
CHILDREN’S FALL FUN FEST 10am-Noon,
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS at 1pm
Bring your 4-footed, furry friends to the Patch!

To schedule the Patch for a class or group, call Pastor Sharon at 771-9214, ext 20.

Book of the Month Club - Oct. 19th

A new opportunity to grow in your personal and church leadership skills will begin on October 19.
 
This year, Pastor Kathleen will start a new leadership development opportunity.  We will meet one Monday evening a month to discuss a book we have read that month.  We will discuss the interesting things we have learned by reading the book and how we can use some of the information to strengthen and grow our ministry to the city of St. Louis.
 
This will require a commitment to read eight different books and to meet eight times between October and May.  We will also have an all-day retreat part of the way through the year to brainstorm and plan how we will implement what we have learned at the church.

We will meet at Pastor Kathleen’s home from 6 – 8:30 p.m. on those evenings; food and childcare will be provided.  Please contact Pastor Kathleen for more information and to let her know how many to plan for. The eight books have been carefully chosen by Pastor Kathleen. October’s book is How Full is Your Bucket? by Tom Rath and Donald Clifton.

Sunday School Begins - September 13th

We will kick off our new year in Christian formation for our children and youth on September 13. Please plan to bring your family to church at 9 a.m. to experience the stories of our faith through multi-sensory learning.

Youth Movie Review
Do you like to watch movies that make you think? Mid-high and Senior-high kids are invited to come to the new Movie Review. Meet in the Chapel downstairs. Bring your eyes, your brain, & your appetite!

Stories of Faith for Our Children
As our kids return to school, and our children and youth will learn great new things, how important that we continue to teach them the stories of our faith, too.

We’ll sing some, dance some, paint some, and pray some. This will be a multigenerational experience with kids of all ages. You are welcome to come and experience the stories of our faith!

Questions or want to get involved? Contact Pastor Sharon or Debra Crowe.

Adventures in Faith Begins Sept. 17th

Starting September 17, we will begin a new series of small groups to enable us to learn, develop relationships, and grow in our faith. We will meet for six weeks on Thursday evenings. We will have a light supper available at 6 p.m. to make it easier for people coming from work. At 6:30, we will share a common devotion and prayer time. Then, from 6:45-8 p.m., you can choose to participate in one small group faith adventure for your personal growth.

Choose one of these small groups:

• Basic Bible
• Adult Confirmation/New Member Class
• Enough – Living Simply in a complex world

You will find a sign-up board in the sanctuary, so please let us know where your interests lie so that we can have the appropriate study guides for you. Or you can email a pastor or call the church office at 772-9214. Child care will be provided.

Welcome New Staff Members!

We welcome Maria Lawrence as our new Church Secretary. Maria is a familiar face here at LPUMC. Maria’s daughter and son-in-law, Alicia and Chris Greene and their children, Elena, Jack, and Mimi are long-time members, and Maria and Charlie have joined them in worship with us on many occasions. Maria brings to us her extensive experience in business and office work. We are so pleased to have her with us. Her hours are Monday through Friday, 9am-noon. Come by and see her!





We welcome Latoya Thompson (left) and Mary Claire Kondro (right) to LPUMC. These ladies will be providing childcare for our children as we worship, participate in meetings, and on Thursday evenings during Adventures in Faith.

They both come to us with much experience and enthusiasm. Latoya has worked with Girl Scouts of America, providing seminars to promote self esteem and ways to prevent bullying. Mary Claire works with students at the Judevine Center for Autism, supporting individuals in learning life skills. Please offer your greeting as they settle into the life of the church.



We have a new ministry intern from Eden Seminary. Aaron Ban will be joining us, focusing on growing our young adult ministry and helping us build a connection between our church and St. Louis University. For the last year Aaron has been an intern at our sister ministry The Bridge. To read more on Aaron's current fellowship at the Eden website.

Operation HOGAR - Juarez Mexico October 2009

Mission to Mexico - October 3-9, 2009

Are you interested in a volunteer opportunity to help build a home for a family in Mexico? Contact Team Leader Nancy Thuer . The trip is sponsored by the Missouri Office of Creative Ministries UMC and Lafayette Park United Methodist Church. This effort is part of the ministry of the Missouri United Methodist Conference.

Adventures in Faith study begins Sept 17th

Adventures in Faith begin on September 17! This is a six-week series to learn, develop relationships, and grow in your faith life.

Each Thursday evening starting September 17, we will gather at 6:00 p.m. for a light, shared supper and fellowship. At 6:30, we will share a common devotion and prayer time. From 6:45 – 8:00, you can choose from a small group faith adventure experience to participate in. There will be three choices this fall: Basic Bible, Adult Confirmation, and Enough – living simply in a complex world. Childcare will be provided. Please save the date now!

Rock the River Music Tour - August 2

Thousands of St. Louis youth are expected to take part in the Rock the River Music Tour. It's a high-energy, outdoor concert featuring popular Christian bands performing in ventures along the Mississippi.

Date: August 2, 2009
Time: 2:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Place: Under the Arch

For more details contact Pastor Sharon

Hands In Mission at Shalom House - July 25

On Saturday, July 25th, we will be gathering to go over to Shalom House and do some things there with and for the residents. Shalom House offers short-term shelter and support (classes, internet access, meals, spiritual guidance, and health care) for women who need help getting their feet back on the ground. There is also a transitional program for those who are making good progress in moving toward becoming self-sufficient again.

The three projects are:

1. Painting a room
2. Mowing the lawn, trimming, and weeding the flower beds
3. Cooking up a hot brunch and serving it to the ladies.

If you are able to bring a mower, please let me know. Their mower broke at the beginning of the summer, and they have been just getting by week by week until a new one is donated. I have a weed-wacker that can also be used for trimming the sides of the building.

If you are interested in being part of the brunch team, please let me know. We would be feeding 10-15 people, and can use the kitchen, but will need to figure out what to serve, and where and how to get the ingredients.

We will meet at LPUMC at 7:45 and car pool over! Hope to see you with HIM!

Pastor Sharon

Youth Mission Trip - July 12-16th 2009

Destination: The rural community of Theodosia, Missouri
Location: South central MO, on shore of Bull Shoals

Host: Theodosia UMC. We’ll bring bedrolls and air mattresses and sleep on the floor. We will use the church kitchen, and shower at the YMCA
Project: Tornado cleanup
Purpose: To go deeper with God through serving God’s people
Fun Day: Thursday: ½ day float trip and picnic. Bring fishing poles
Cost: We’ll have fundraisers to cover the cost of our groceries and traveling expenses. The float trip will cost approx. $20 per person. Everybody needs to participate in the fundraiser.
Spending $: No more than $20, please
Chaperones: Pastor Sharon, Joel Kichline, and Cami Bisch
Questions: Call Pastor Sharon at 314/566-0332 or email

Mission Meeting: July 2 @ 7pm LPUMC Fellowship Hall
(Youth required to be in attendance with a parent)

The Shack & The Bible - Wednesdays in July

There has been such a buzz about William Paul Young’s book, The Shack in both community and church circles. Come join us around the table in a relaxed forum to discuss and share.

• When: The five Wednesday evenings of July
• Time: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
• Where: LPUMC Fellowship Hall
• Who: Adults and teens
• Q&A: Contact Pastor Sharon at 566-0332 or lpassociate@sbcglobal.net

Visitors, family, and friends welcome. Childcare will be available. Please read the book before the first gathering. If you need a book, contact Pastor Sharon, and she will reserve you a paperback.

PrideFest 2009 - June 27 & 28

Once again, 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.
As a congregation, we welcome 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.

If there is enough interest we will also walk 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.

What can you do?

• Volunteer to staff the booth in the park on Saturday or Sunday (11-7); 2 volunteers per shift, 2 hour shifts, starting at 11, 1, 3 and 5
• Walk in the Grand Parade on Sunday
• Drive a shuttle from or back to church to the Grand Parade for our walkers on Sunday morning.

We will have an orientation meeting on Sunday June 14 at 11:15 a.m. If you have not been part of PrideFest before or just want to encourage others, stop by for the latest information.

Look for sign-up sheets every Sunday in June and for updates on the Yahoo Group. If you have any questions or to volunteer, contact Chris Finley.

LYRA Russian Choral Ensemble Free Concert - May 30th

LYRA, a Russian Choral Ensemble and Lafayette Park United Methodist Church are proud to announce a concert featuring Russian Folk Music plus contemporary pieces from the 18th - 20th centuries.

Date: Saturday, May 30, 2009
Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Lafayette Park United Methodist
This is a Free concert and all are welcome

LYRA is a community of professional musicians most of whom are students or graduates of the St. Petersburg Conservatory and sing in churches and musical theaters throughout that city. Though members of LYRA represent different musical professions: choral conductors, opera singers,instrumentalists, music teachers, it is their passion for ensemble singing that unites them.

The choral community LYRA includes 25 people, but due to the logistics of international touring, they perform in smaller groups of soloists. Their Spring 2009 Midwest Tour will bring an ensemble of 3 men and 2 women to 5 states - IL, WI, MN, IA, MO - where they will present over 30 concerts in April - early June.

LYRA's main goal is exploring and popularizing Russian choral music from the ancient songs of the Orthodox Church to works of little-known, but remarkable composers of the 18th-20th centuries. The well-known masters: Bortniansky, Tchesnokov, Gretchaninov and Tchaikovsky are well represented. Folk songs of lyric, dancing and ritual nature are performed not only in the composer's original arrangements, but those of LYRA's as well. Secular songs of Russian classical composers Taneev, Tchaikovsky, and Rakhmaninov represent yet another side of LYRA's creative activity.

LYRA first appeared in concert in I994. In recent years they have performed not only in Russia but regularly all around Western Europe, Scandinavian Countries and The United States. Through their tours, they introduce the enormous musical heritage of the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as traditions of Russian folk music to people having an interest in Russian history and culture. In 2001 LYRA was awarded the Montreux (Switzerland) International Choral Festival diploma. In 2005 the group was also a winner of Coleraine International Choral Festival (Northern Ireland).

In addition to stage performances LYRA have recorded several CDs. The CDs will be available after the performance.
http://www.lyra-online.org/

UMC Habitat for Humanity - Fall 2009

UMC Habitat for Humanity builds this summer

Lafayette Park UMC will partner with other United Methodist churches in St. Louis on a Habitat-build off North Grand. No particular expertise is required, but you must be 18 or older to participate. This will be a great opportunity to meet and work with other United Methodists in our city and to help someone build a new home for their family. The work day typically lasts from 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

LPUMC is invited to bring 4-8 persons to each of these four dates:

• August 8th


• August 29th


• October 3rd


• October 17th

If you are interested in participating, please contact Chris Kinder or Pastor Sharon at or 566-0332 to sign up.

Hands in Mission - Summer 2009!

Something new is coming . . .

WHAT? Hands in Mission (H.I.M.) will provide teams of workers to be sent into our local mission field to serve local projects and further develop relationships with existing Methodist agencies. The purpose of these opportunities is to nurture personal relationships with staff, volunteers and clients, and to make a difference in our community by assisting with unbudgeted maintenance tasks.

Typically, we will form workgroups within our multi-aged project team and work side-by-side with other volunteers/staff to perform the tasks at hand. During our time at the worksite, we will tour the facility and learn about the services that our host provides.

WHEN? Hands In Mission will usually take place one Saturday morning a month from 8:00 until noon, or whatever part of the morning works into your schedule. We will do three H.I.M.’s this summer, from June through August.

WHY? Because as part of the body of Christ, we are invited to be Christ’s hands in our community, to do his work of building, healing, and loving.

Dates for upcoming H.I.M. Opportunities
Saturday, June 13th Centenary Cares
Saturday, July 25th Shalom House
Saturday, August 22nd TBA

Questions? Contact Jason Stokes, Chris Kinder, or Pastor Sharon

Vacation Bible School! - June 15-19

Join our Beach Party
Vacation Bible School!
June 15-19
from 6-8:30 p.m.

Children, youth, and adults are welcome!
New this year: Adult VBS group

Local Hands-on Mission: Solomon’s Project

May 30, 2009 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Find your work gloves and favorite ole’ t-shirt, and plan now to join a mission team from Lafayette Park UMC to work on a local building project through the Solomon Project.

Solomon Project is organized through our neighbors at North Grand Neighborhood Services (NGNS). They rehab older homes and buildings that have fallen into significant disrepair, and might even have been condemned. One by one by one, this organization, supported by corporate, non-for-profits, and private sponsors, has transformed derelict buildings into beautiful and affordable housing.

Depending on the team size, we may have smaller groups painting, cleaning up the worksite, dry-walling, etc, but there will be something for everyone to do.

Lunch will be provided on the worksite.

NGNS also welcomes financial support for their projects. Every penny received is passed on as savings to the prospective home owner.

Any questions? Contact Pastor Sharon at 566-0332 or Jason Stokes. For more information, you can also check out www.solomonproject.org.

Cajun Dinner - April 25

Our second annual Cajun Dinner to benefit Volunteers in Mission will be held on Saturday, April 25. The Chefs Merle and Heugatter will cover the cooking again!. Mark your calendars to come enjoy some incredible food. This is the best Cajun food north of New Orleans!

Earth Day Tree Planting - April 19

On Sunday morning April 19, LPUMC will be planting a tree between the 8 and 10 AM worship services. Bring you gloves and join us at 9:30 Sunday morning to plant a tree!

Annual Spring Book Fair - April 17 & 18th

On April 17 and 18, peruse the wide variety of titles at the United Methodist Women’s annual book sale. Hours are 8:00 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.

Holy Week Schedule - March 2009

Easter time is here and once again we have additional worship services for everyone to take advantage of.

The week of March 5 Special Worship Services:

• Palm Sunday - Worship at 8 & 10 AM


• Maundy Thursday - Worship at 7 PM - Centenary Chapel


• Good Friday - Worship at 7 PM


• Saturday - Easter Egg Hunt (10:30PM see below!)

Easter Sunday - Worship

• 8AM - Reflections on an Empty Tomb
  This service will offer a contemporary, contemplative experience at the end of the Easter Vigil. It will begin in darkness and grow into the resurrected light and life of Christ.


• 10 AM - An Easter Celebration
  This service will offer a traditional celebration of Easter just briefly reminding us of Good Friday and experiencing Resurrection as we worship.
  

Invitation Sunday - March 29

If you have felt a tug on your heart to go deeper in your relationship with God through Lafayette Park United Methodist Church, God may be calling you to become a member. On Sunday March 29 we will invite all those who are interested in membership to come forward together and be received as new members.

If you are interested, call Pastor Sharon at 566-0332 lpassociate@sbcglobal.net

Easter Egg Hunt and Party! - April 11

On Saturday, April 11, 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 Eric & Robin Merle at heartreach@gmail.com.

The Biggest Loser is back at LPUMC!

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 envision it working:

1. Program to begin on Thursday, March 19, with a weigh-in at church and will conclude on May 17.


2. Entry donation of $25 due at time of weigh-in. Half of the total amount received will be donated toward a 2009 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 March 26 between 5:30-7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.


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


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

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 at that time. NOTE: If you do not complete the program, your entry donation will be forfeited. If interested, please let us know. You may notify Sheryl Smothers either by phone (583-4914) or e-mail