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.