Success of New Orleans Mission Project

MULTI-STATE EFFORT HELPS DISABLED NEW ORLEANS MAN GET BACK HOME - by Gretchen Bell
- August 22, 2011

Jason Hurst and his mother, Willmarine, finally got back to their house in New Orleans at 5am Monday morning June 27. It was a 530 mile drive, which took almost 6 years. What made it happen was the kindness of strangers, the internet and the resourcefulness disabled people and their families find deep down inside themselves when they have to.

At the time Hurricane Katrina was approaching New Orleans in August 2005, Jason, 30 years old and a quadriplegic, owned his own home in Ponchartrain Park, employed several relatives as attendants, was working on a degree at nearby Southern Louisiana U and was able to get around town via public transport. When he and his family realized the impending danger, he was quickly stuffed into the back seat of his uncle’s sedan with his manual wheelchair, leaving the power wheelchair and his beloved dog, Candy, behind.

It was a difficult ride to Dallas, Texas but it was fortunate that they decided to leave rather than stay to ride out the storm. The state of Louisiana recorded 1464 post-Katrina storm-related deaths – 400 were children – many of them disabled and elderly people who died by drowning. The water that flooded and damaged Jason’s home rose to a level just below the ceiling.

Upon arriving in Dallas at his sister’s place, he realized that he could not get up to her upper floor apartment. Then he and his mother were turned away from the Red Cross shelter. That was when they met the first of many strangers who assisted them in their struggle to live temporarily in Texas and to get back home. A local woman helped the two find accessible housing. As soon as they got settled and had access to a computer, Jason started posting e-mails on pet-related websites in an effort to find Candy. StealthVolunteers, Jane Carter from Virginia among them, started looking for Jason’s dog. Incredibly, they were successful. He got the call that someone had found Candy and was bringing her to Dallas.

In March 2006, Jason and Willmarine borrowed a van to travel to New Orleans to work with West Bank United Methodist Storm Relief to gut their house. They got the assistance of volunteers from Lafayette Park UMC of St. Louis, Missouri. One of those volunteers, Larry Heugatter, came back with a team from G&C Roofing (Henry Gibson) and truck full of shingles and roofers to replace the roof.

And then the house stood, the interior stripped down to the studs, while the family went thru the state Road Home process to get a grant to reconstruct it and find a trustworthy contractor to do the work. Thru the winter of 2008, I tried to find a non-profit in New Orleans knowledgeable about mold remediation, which was the next step before drywall went up. Amy Allen from Hands on New Orleans offered to provide tools & instruction if I could bring volunteers. I contacted Robin Perry, founder of Philly to NOLA, and she pulled together 5 musicians and 2 World Café Live staffers to go down for 5 days with me in May of that year to kill mold.

When this was completed and after Jason received his Road Home funding, he hired a family friend, Ed, as his contractor. Ed became notorious for not responding to calls to his cell phone. I heard at one point that he lost one phone by dropping it between the studs and the drywall. Jason coordinated electricians, plumbers and inspectors by phone. Reconstruction was moving along, very slowly.

Meanwhile, Larry in St. Louis and Jane in Virginia were busy trying to get measurements to order appliances for the Hurst house. Fundraisers had been held at the World Café Live in Philadelphia and at the Lafayette Park UMC in St. Louis. The money was combined and when the decisions were made, Larry ordered a refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washer & dryer from the Home Depot in New Orleans. They were held at the store until the home was complete…….and occupied.

All though the fall of 2009, Jason followed his New Orleans Saints who were having a good season. His medical issues took a back seat that winter as Drew Brees and the team moved into the playoffs and then, the unbelievable happened! Black and Gold won Super Bowl XLIV! How sweet!

So far that spring and summer, the year had been difficult for the usually active Jason. But on August 13, we all received an e-mail that really knocked the stuffing out of our reconstruction ambitions: Willmarine said someone broke into their house, tore up the sheetrock, ripped out the wiring and cut a hole in the roof. She was completely despondent. Jason was devastated.

She said she was through. She told us not to respond, she didn’t feel like talking. We did not know what to say or what to do next. The family had no more Road Home funds to use.

Willmarine Hurst is a freelance writer. She puts her emotions into articles. This time she poured out her heart to the New Orleans Times Picayune. And once again, a stranger contacted her. Bonnie Evans from Catholic Charities had read the article and wanted to help. They were the non-profit that completed work on the house.

On June 26 Jason’s brother Jahmal, Ed and a few other family friends dismantled the hospital bed and loaded everything into a U-Haul. Willmarine drove Jason in their troublesome van. The trip was made several hours longer because the van tire had a blow-out…..twice. But they got home. With a little help from their friends.

Food Drive - July 17-31st!

More of our neighbors are experiencing something many never thought possible in our plentiful area...hunger. Over 120,000 people in greater St. Louis region need the help of food pantries and feeding programs for their families. Many are coming for the first time, and almost half that receive food are children.

Operation Food Search is sponsoring food drives throughout the month of July. On July 17-31, Lafayette Park UMC will hold a food drive to benefit The Bridge, which provides meals and support to the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless.

Please take this shopping list with you on your next trip to the grocery store, and pick up a few items for The Bridge (large-sized cans are appreciated). Baskets for your donations will be placed inside both church entrances. Have you ever regretted an act of generosity? Your donations will make a difference--thank you!

Shopping List:

• Canned Meats
• Soups/Chili
• Rice & Beans
• Canned Vegetables
• Cereals (Hot/Cold)
• Peanut Butter
• Canned Fruit
• Pasta Products
• Canned Juice
• Baby Formula
• Baby Food
• Personal Care Items

*No Glass Items*

McKinley Peace Garden Update

From 2011-Garden Work Day May

The McKinley Peace Garden - located on Ann Ave behind the McKinley Jr. Academy at 2156 Russell Blvd - was started in the Spring of 2010. Pastor Kathleen and Principal Williams met and decided a garden could be a win-win for both the school and LPUMC. Members of the church prepared an agreement between the two groups and other members provided the garden with 10 4x4 beds and one round bed for planting. A berm and a shade garden was also added; and the area along the east (alley) fence was planted with trees, shrubs, etc. A softer look to the environment for the students and crops to share with our community is the result.

The three top reasons for the garden were: 1) enhance health through a better diet by providing vegetables and fruits in the food desert of the local community; as well, enhance the selection of fresh vegetables for use in the school; 2) provide an educational and community service opportunity to the McKinley students and faculty with the planning, planting and growing of crops; and 3) offer a chance to interact with people of the surrounding community.

In the spring of 2011 the garden received a grant from Gateway Greening to increase the size of the planting area and was awarded materials for these beds, a shed to store our tools, etc. a picnic table, tools and hoses. Two eagle scouts completed projects on the site.

One is the installation of additional beds, three benches, and three trees. The other is the preparation and installation of an outdoor classroom for the use of students and shelter for the gardeners, which includes five picnic benches. The gardeners have used this for our evening supper meeting!

Mustard greens were distributed by Fred and Sharon Domke to the McKinley neighbors. Comments ranged from "What's a mustard Green?" to "Boy, is Grandma gonna be HAPPY!!!." Jim Wilder distributed the first crop of kale to Cornerstone Preschool. The families and staff were delighted with the kale. Bev O'Neal harvested and delivered 14 pounds of cabbage to Cornerstone and again they were thrilled. Caroline Ban and Fred Domke attended the McKinley Heights Neighborhood meeting in June and have recruited several more interested gardeners. Contact has also been made with Sigel School for some distribution to be made to the student's families.

Bulbs, plants and volunteers are always welcome as we plant, weed (we are fighting Bermuda Grass) and harvest. All crops are weighed and reported to Gateway Greening at the end of the season. We also are responsible to pay back to Gateway Greening the sum of 30 work hours on our choice of project or projects.

If you wish to be a part of this contact either of the garden leaders - Bev O'Neal at Fred Domke.

See you in the Garden!

Contemporary Worship with Shawn Thomas

"Aaron's Rainbow Project" (ARP) and Lafayette Park United Methodist Church are proud to announce contemporary Christian singer Shawn Thomas in concert.

He will be performing songs off his award winning recordings, as well as his newest praise and worship CD entitled "Worship & Desperation".

Date: Sunday, June 19, 2011
Time: 9:30 AM
Place: Lafayette Park United Methodist Church
2300 Lafayette Avenue St Louis, MO 63104

This is a Free concert and all are welcome.

About Shawn Thomas

His 2003 CD, "Everything I Am", peaked online Top 40 and Top 20 charts for over 14 months, including the number one singles, "The Beat of the Lord" and "Starting Over Again".

The CD, "Changed", received a nomination for the 2006 OutMusic awards as Outstanding New Inspirational Recording, and features the driving title track and an upbeat cover of Amy Grant's "What About the Love".

"Faith Unashamed" (a double disc special edition release) received a nomination for 2007 Production/Producer of the year from the Pride in the Arts Awards. "Faith Unashamed" has stayed in the top ten CD/albums on the OutVoice.com Top 40 for over a year.

Awarded "Best Independent Songwriter" by the 2004 Indie Awards and labeled as "groovin'"..."wholesome"...and "inspirational" by Pride Christian Music, Shawn continues to develop his music career in a new direction of spirituality and ministry. "I actually resisted writing Contemporary Christian type music in the past because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to still perform the style of music that I enjoy." That style of music, as featured on Shawn's new CD, "Worship & Desperation", includes a wide variety from traditional ballads, to praise music, to pop/rock.

With a minister as his father and a very talented musician as his mother, Shawn's ministry through ARP is the natural combination of his musical and spiritual influences. Pursuing his talents in many directions including songwriting, production, dance and choreography, Shawn Thomas emerges not only as a competent performer and singer, but as a dynamic and versatile entertainer and presenter. His intention is to share the message of practicing the principles of Love and Grace in order to build unity, understanding, and acceptance.

"Everything I Am", "Changed", "Faith Unashamed", and "Worship & Desperation" are available for sale on popular internet sites including iTunes.com, Rhapsody.com, BestBuy.com, Amazon.com, Target.com, and CDBaby.com, and is distributed by Aaron's Rainbow Project and Shawn Thomas Studios, West Palm Beach, FL.

For more information on Shawn Thomas and his ministry, visit http://www.shawnthomasonline.com/ http://www.aaronsrainbowproject.com/
http://www.facebook.com/ShawnThomasOnline

Holy Week Schedule 2011

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

• Palm Sunday - Worship at 9:30 AM - April 17th
  


• Maundy Thursday - Worship at 7 PM - Centenary Chapel - April 21st
  


• Good Friday - Worship at 7 PM - April 22nd
  


• Saturday - Easter Egg Hunt - April 23rd
  

• Easter Sunday - Worship 9:30 AM - April 24th

In Progress: The Family Welcoming Center

If you haven't noticed lately, the new Family Welcoming Center is under construction. The new Family Welcoming Center is located in the North-East corner of the sanctuary. A few weeks ago the glass in the frosted glass in the doors were replaced with clear glass. Speakers have so anyone using the area will be able to hear the worship service. And artist Sue Green of Paint Imagery is working on the ceiling mural. Stop in on Sunday and check it out.

Preschool Trivia Night - March 26th

Now is the time to begin getting your table of 8-10 players ready to have a great evening! Reservations will be taken starting in February. The cost is $15.00 per person.

Prize for the best themed table! This year’s theme: Fairy Tales

Saturday, March 26 - starts at 7:00 p.m.
New Location: IBEW Electrician’s Hall
5850 Elizabeth Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110

Adventures in Faith - Begins February 27th

Ready to make a difference! Beginning the week of February 27, we will begin a Lenten book study. It is sure to change you! The book “Change the World, Recovering the Message and Mission of Jesus” is part of the Rethink Church series. It was written by Rev. Mike Slaughter pastor at Ginghamsburg UMC Church, in Tipp City, Ohio.

Check the trailer, then contact the Church Office to sign-up!

Believe Out Loud TOGETHER - Feb 27th

Join as we come together for fellowship, worship and to make a difference in our church.

Come join other United Methodists in Missouri to discuss how we can work together to make a difference in our church working for equality for ALL of God's children and specifically those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender! Workshop will include time for fellowship, worship, and learning tools that help us share our stories in ways that motivate others to action!

When: Sun., February 27th from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Where: Lafayette Park UMC (2300 Lafayette Avenue, St. Louis)
RSVP: LPSECRETARY@sbcglobal.net or call (314) 771-9214
Cost: FREE!!

Hope to see you there!

Thanks,
Missouri Reconciling Ministries
www.rmnwitness.org

Rummage Sale - Saturday Jan 22th

Saturday January 22 is the Winter Rummage Sale sponsored by the United Methodist Women. From 8 AM to 2 PM on the lower level in Fellowship Hall

Stop by and look for great bargains and the next "Antiques Roadshow" find. All the funds raised from this event support missions work of the Lafayette Park UM Women.

“Nets for Catembe” 92% of Goal!

Our Campaign to provide mosquito nets for all of Catembe, Mozambique is exceeding expectations. Less than a month old we are approaching the halfway mark! Last year, we raised 220 nets to cover the members of our “sister” church, The Catembe United Methodist Church.

This Year’s focus is on providing mosquito nets for everyone in the city of Catembe. We need 2000 nets to protect the women, children and families of Catembe. So far we have raised enough funds for 1836 nets. So we only have 164 nets remaining to reach our goal.

The nets are treated so that in addition to protecting people from mosquito bites, any mosquito that lands on the net is dead within a few minutes. The result is an 82% reduction of malaria cases in the area that the nets have been distributed.

Each year, malaria afflicts approximately a half-billion people (roughly the population of the United States, Canada, and Mexico combined).

• Malaria kills more than a million people per year; 90 percent of those who die are African children.
• Every 30 seconds in Africa a child dies of malaria.
• Malaria incapacitates people, keeping countries poor. In addition to the health burden, malaria illness and death cost Africa about $12 billion per year.

Mozambique is a country located on the southeast coast of Africa. A one time colony of Portugal, independence was gained in the 1970’s and followed by a civil war. A young country rich in resources it is still largely undeveloped. About 60% of it’s children complete primary school. Only 7% complete a secondary education. Malaria is a horrible disease that greatly impacts many people. It is estimated that it kills 800,000 children each year in Africa.

$10 Saves a Life — Buy a Mosquito Net and give the gift of a healthy life to our brothers and sisters in Catembe!

- Pastor Kathleen

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.

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!

“Nets for Catembe” Progress Report

Our Campaign to provide mosquito nets for all of Catembe, Mozambique is exceeding expectations. Less than a month old we are approaching the halfway mark! Last year, we raised 220 nets to cover the members of our “sister” church, The Catembe United Methodist Church.

This Year’s focus is on providing mosquito nets for everyone in the city of Catembe. We need 2000 nets to protect the women, children and families of Catembe. So far we have raised enough funds for 911 nets. So we only have 1089 nets remaining to reach our goal.

The nets are treated so that in addition to protecting people from mosquito bites, any mosquito that lands on the net is dead within a few minutes. The result is an 82% reduction of malaria cases in the area that the nets have been distributed.

Mozambique is a country located on the southeast coast of Africa. A one time colony of Portugal, independence was gained in the 1970’s and followed by a civil war. A young country rich in resources it is still largely undeveloped. About 60% of it’s children complete primary school. Only 7% complete a secondary education. Malaria is a horrible disease that greatly impacts many people. It is estimated that it kills 800,000 children each year in Africa.

$10 Saves a Life — Buy a Mosquito Net and give the gift of a healthy life to our brothers and sisters in Catembe!

Breakfast with Santa - Sat December 11th - 9:30 AM

Saturday, December 11 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. This event is open to members and friends.

Fun, food and pictures with Santa will be provided at no cost. Just come and enjoy!

Sponsored by the WCDANS and friends

World AIDS Day – December 1st

December 1 of each year marks World AIDS Day, a global observation that raises awareness of HIV & AIDS, commemorates those who have died, and celebrates advances in prevention and treatment services.

A time to remember the more than 25 million people have died of AIDS since 1981, and the 14,000 who will die in the United States this year. To remind ourselves that there are more than 1 million people in the United States and 33 million worldwide who are living with HIV and AIDS and wonder how almost 3 million people were infected last year alone.

We have lost fiends, brothers and sisters to this disease. They have been part of our families and our church. Each one a life cut short, each one leaving a void in our lives.

World AIDS Day is an opportunity for us to work together to help reduce stigma around HIV and promote HIV testing. Silence will not prevent the spread of this disease. Ignorance and silence is the enemy. Talk with your doctor, your partners, your family and friends. It is imperative we remove the stigma surrounding this disease.

At the end of 2008, women accounted for over 50% of all adults living with HIV worldwide. Young people (under 25 years old) account for half of all new HIV infections worldwide. Unfortunately, the number of new HIV cases remains high — an estimated 2.7 million last year alone — which means too many remain uneducated about the disease. The UMC is committed to put a stop to HIV/AIDS in our world, in our time. The UM Global AIDS Fund is leading the effort for an AIDS free world. Become educated; check out the UM Global AIDS Fund website at www.umglobalaidsfund.org and www.aids.gov.

Turkey Dinner - Saturday Nov. 13

The annual Turkey Dinner and Holiday Bazaar is scheduled for Saturday November 13 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.

Walking Home Event - Nov. 13th

On Saturday, November 13, The Bridge will host the 3rd annual Walking Home Event to raise awareness of the existence of homelessness in St. Louis and to further understanding of the challenges faced by sojourners each day. The Walk will begin at Centenary United Methodist Church, home of The Bridge, at 1610 Olive St. downtown.

Doors will open at 9:00 a.m. Breakfast will be served, and on-site registration will be from 9:30 to 10:00. Participants may also register by going to The Bridge website, www.bridgestl.org, and are encouraged to do so. At 10:00, Executive Director Reverend Kathleen Wilder will welcome walkers, followed by a few words from Mayor Slay and a brief statement from one of the guests of The Bridge. The first group of walkers will leave the church at approximately 10:20. At each of five stops along the trail, participants will be greeted by a Walk host who will tell a little about the services of a particular agency, or talk about the significance of the point at which the group is stopped. The entire route will take about 1 to 1 1/2 hours to cover. For those who are unable to complete the entire distance, there will be a point mid-way, or sooner, at which people may return to the church. Back at Centenary UMC, walkers will have the chance to discuss what they heard--and learned--while they have lunch and enjoy music by Not for a Billion--the Ron Daugherty Party Band.

Please join staff and guests of The Bridge for this very important event. Reading or hearing about homelessness is one thing. Walking the path that hundreds of people travel every day, just to get their basic needs met; talking with a veteran who has no place to call home; looking into the face of a young mother raising her children alone; these can take a person from knowing that homelessness exists in our city to, just maybe, being able to understand a little bit of what that means. Walking Home is a no-fee event; however, we will gladly accept free-will donations on site.

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.