the
AUGUST 20132013 NOV. / DEC.
magazine
the Advent Issue
O
N
TH E
R AI
Join KMUM Radio’s studio audience for their 1955 Christmas Gala featuring the Jingle Belles trio, audience participation games, and a staged performance of
by Barbara Robinson Saturday, December 14 at 6:00 p.m.
Sandwich and Show RESERVED SEATING
Sunday, December 15 at 12:15 p.m. Sandwich and Show RESERVED SEATING
Sunday, December 15 at 4:00 p.m.
Pageant Show Only GENERAL ADMISSION
$5
$5
$1
Admission with ticket and a “Most Needed” Food Pantry item of canned meat or fruit
Tickets on sale November 3 at MUMC or call 636.394.7506 SEATING IS LIMITED – ORDER EARLY
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, Inc. Presented by MUMC’s Youth and Adult Drama Ministry and the Halls Endowment Fund 2 | MANCHESTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR The holidays can be a stressful time of year. Frantically preparing for guest visits, special menus, events to attend and gifts to purchase, can cause nerves to rattle a bit. In the midst of the hectic holiday season, don’t forget to BREATHE. In this special “double issue,” we encourage you to embrace holiday fun, while focusing on what’s sacred—time with God, time with family, and time with friends.
04 MEAL & MINISTRIES MENU
06 SMALL GROUPS & CLASSES
13 OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
14
Our holiday theme this year is “The Amazing Grace of Christmas.” In this Advent sermon series, Pastor Greg will help us gain a better understanding of the “amazing grace” embodied in the manger. This grace wakes us up, turns us around, and sends us ahead. In looking at the story from this angle, we’ll be better prepared for an unforgettable Christmas. Visit our website, manchesterumc.org to learn more. Inside this issue, pay close attention to the available small groups and classes, starting on page six. Attending a group is a great way to connect with others, retreat, and relax. It’s always important to remember the many ways that we can be a blessing. On page 14 you’ll find special ways to serve, starting with our Thanksgiving food drive for Circle of Concern, through a service at The Bridge on December 21. Pick an opportunity for your family to serve together. Stock up on Christmas gifts while shopping for a great cause. At the Fair Trade Market (page 15) purchasing a gift provides artisans with a living wage for their work. Invite a friend to our forthcoming stage plays or concerts found on pages two and five. Take a look at our back cover for a sneak peek at Pastor Greg’s January sermon series.
EDUCATION & SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES Cartiay McCoy Director of Communications
Manchester United Methodist Church 129 Woods Mill Rd. Manchester, MO 63011 www.manchesterumc.org | 636.394.7506 MANCHESTERUMC.ORG | 3
Make a Difference
SPOTLIGHT
Christmas Eve Of fering Dinners are served from 5:15 - 6:30 p.m. Each Wednesday Nov. 6 - Hamburgers/fries Nov. 13 - Rotisserie chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables, biscuits Nov. 20 - Spaghetti with meat sauce, bread Nov. 27 - No Dinner Thanksgiving Dec. 4 - Vegetable beef soup, hot dogs Dec. 11 - No Dinner Shalom House Christmas Party Dec. 18 - Spiral sliced ham, mac and cheese, vegetables, bread Dec. 25 - No Dinner Christmas
The Gift that Makes a Difference – Your Christmas Eve Offering at Manchester UMC Christmas is a time for making lists and giving gifts. But what if your list contained a new kind of gift? One that couldn’t be measured in dollars or cents. The gift of HOPE. The gift of NEW BEGINNINGS. The gift of LOVE.
All Meals are served with salad, dessert, and beverage. Please sign-up for meals by using the worship bulletin, calling the office (636.394.7506), online, or at the meals. Walk-ins are welcome, but, signing up helps to get an accurate count for ordering food.
4 | MANCHESTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
This Christmas, give a special gift to those in need in St. Louis. Your Christmas Eve offering at Manchester UMC will go to: - Feed the hungry and homeless at The Bridge.
- Provide a place for healing and rebuilding for homeless women at Shalom House. - Help youth and families find strength and build brighter futures at Epworth Children & Family Services. - Give hope to a community in need at Kingdom House. This Christmas, give a new kind of gift. Change a life. Make a difference. 100% of your Christmas Eve offering at Manchester UMC will go to further the ministries of the United Methodist social service agencies in St. Louis. Visit http://manchesterumc.org/about-us/ contribute-to-our-mission/ to give online, or simply enclose your gift in one of the special Christmas offering envelopes in the pews.
GIFTS IN WHITE
The Tradition Continues to Make a Difference December 7 & 8 All services
UPCOMING CONCERTS
Gifts in White is an annual ministry of Manchester UMC that helps make Christmas a little brighter to those in need in the St. Louis area. Read the full story at manchesterumc.org/ mission-service/gifts-in-white. The Bridge (www.bridgestl.org), Located at Centenary United Methodist Church in St. Louis, provides sanctuary for homeless and at-risk people in St. Louis. Meals and support services for basic needs are offered by staff, intent on eradicating homelessness by guiding
Coventry Dinners & Concerts Friday and Saturday, December 6 & 7, 6:30 p.m. Join us for an evening of
guests on a path to self-sufficiency.
great food and beautiful
Epworth Children & Family Services (www.epworth.org) is committed to keeping families
entry Choir and the Vesper
music presented by the Cov-
together, preventing abuse and neglect, and encouraging self-sufficiency in at-risk youth
Bell Choir. Enjoy a delicious,
served through more than one dozen programs.
catered dinner, followed by
Kingdom House (www.kingdomhouse.org) helps thousands yearly to achieve self-suffi-
Tickets are $30 and are avail-
this annual concert of music.
ciency and gain economic independence. Since 1902, Kingdom House has been transforming the lives of individuals in St. Louis. Shalom House (www.shalomhousestl.org), is a nonprofit organization that specializes in working with homeless women with mental illness and chemical dependency to help them stabilize and rebuild their lives. Their ministries include an Emergency Shelter Pro-
able November 1.
Sing Christmas! Ring Christmas! Sunday, December 22, 7:30 p.m.
gram, a Transitional Housing Program, and more.
Beautifully decorated for the
For more information on how you can make a difference through Gifts in White, contact
ary will be filled with joyous
season, the MUMC sanctu-
Rev. Beth Elders, Director of Outreach and Missions (beth.elders@manchesterumc.org,
Christmas music! The Chan-
636.394.7506).
cel Choir, Vesper Bell Choir
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
by British composer and
Friday, December 13, 6-8 p.m. Saturday, December 14, 8:30 a.m.- noon As evidenced by the pages of this magazine, December is a busy time! Children and families are invited to take time away from your busy schedules to join your friends and MUMC family for a relaxed evening or morning of food, fellowship, and Christmas fun! Children, and their families, will celebrate the story of the birth of Christ through drama presented by the Acting Up Drama Team, participate in our Nativity
and orchestra will be joined
dress-up scene, and make Christmas crafts to take home. Children and families may also have pictures taken with Santa. Tickets are $5 per child and include cookies and cocoa served on Friday, or pancakes, sausage, and fruit on Saturday. Each family will also receive a Christmas keepsake tree ornament and a complimentary photo with Santa, with an option to purchase additional photos. Ticket sales begin November 17.
conductor, Philip Stopford. In addition to carols by Mr. Stopford, we will also feature the music of Mack Wilberg, Cathy Moklebust, David Cherwien, and Hart Morris. This annual, free concert is always well attended, so arrive early!
MANCHESTERUMC.ORG | 5
ONGOING ADULT SMALL GROUPS Find unique ways to connect with others! Small group listings are available for all ages and serve a variety of interests.
Singles
Sundays, 11 a.m. – noon | Room 309 Currently studying the book of Psalms. Class members are single adults who are mostly over 55 years of age. Following the class, many enjoy going to lunch at various restaurants.
Alpha Class
Sunday Mornings | Room 311 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. If you have ever wondered how Christianity went from twelve disciples to a multitude of denominations and a worldwide religion, this is the study you’ve been waiting for. Take an in-depth look at the history of Christianity.
Sunday Mornings @ Bread Co. St. Louis Bread Co., 14560 Manchester Road | FaithLinks Current Issues | 8:15 – 9 a.m. Join discussions on contemporary issues and current events. All are welcome!
Harvest Class
Sundays | 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. | Room 222 During November, we’ll read Animate Faith: Exploration of Beliefs.
Joy Class
Sundays | 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. | Room 141 Jesus and the Just Reign of God - a study of Luke and James.
Sojourners
Sundays | 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. | Room 219 This is a “go deeper” study to examine the books of Luke & Acts.
REGISTER NOW 6 | MANCHESTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Scan this QR Code or visit manchesterumc.org/small groups to sign-up.
NEW STUDIES! FALL CLASS LISTINGS
Faith formation classes are designed to offer stimulating discussion on a variety of topics. Visit manchesterumc.org/smallgroups for a complete listing of classes and meeting times.
BIBLE STUDY CLASSES ADVENT – A PEACE-FILLED CLASS FOR YOUR BUSY HOLIDAYS Sundays, Nov. 24 – Dec. 29 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Room 223 Learn about ancient religious festivals of Thanksgiving, the history of Christmas and Advent, and religious festivals centered around starting a New Year. Instead of adding more “to-dos” or “should-dos,” this class will free you to live in the moment and appreciate the deeper meanings behind these winter holidays. This class will feature a new topic each week, so don’t worry if you can’t make it every Sunday. Led by Debbie Irving, Dir. of Faith Formation.
PASTOR GREG’S ADVENT CLASS Wednesdays, Dec. 4-18 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Room 141 This will go along with Pastor Greg’s Advent Sermon Series, The Amazing Grace of Christmas. We’ll study the scriptures and themes behind each sermon which will take a close look at what it would be like to welcome a very special baby into your home.
HEAVEN: DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES Wednesday, Nov. 13 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Fireside Room (by the Sanctuary) We will explore the subject of heaven from different perspectives. This month’s book discussion will revolve around Proof of Heaven by Dr. Eben Alexander, a neurosurgeon. Please come with the book read. Sessions will be facilitated by Trish Gunby.
MAKING SENSE OF GOD’S VIOLENT ACTIONS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT Sundays, Nov. 10-24 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Room 312 God is portrayed in the Old Testament in a spectrum of emotional extremities – from pathos filled compassion and forgiveness - to harsh responses of punishment. Those responses of punishment sometimes spill over into violence, and the stories of violence often become a serious problem for many of us! An article written by Dr. Walter Brueggemann, Old Testament theologian, will lead us through our discussion. Led by Rev. Nancye Dunlap.
LIFE STAGES & FELLOWSHIP CLASSES WOMEN OF COURAGE BOOK GROUP Monday, Nov. 4 and Monday, Dec. 2 | 7 - 8:30 p.m. | Room 222 Our next book is Extraordinary Ordinary People by Condoleezza Rice. This memoir tells the story of Ms. Rice’s childhood in the segregated South and her life course that would eventually enable her to become the Secretary of State for the United States of America. Please come with the book read. Friends and family always welcome. [December 2 – The Road of Lost Innocence: The True Story of a Cambodian Heroine] Led by Nancy Miller.
THE WESLEYAN WAY: A FAITH THAT MATTERS Sundays, Nov. 17 - January 19 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Room 311 This brand new study explores what it means for faith to be a life-long journey and how our Wesleyan heritage offers a special message of grace to our world. We’ll look at questions such as “Is there a God, and if so, who is God?” “Does human life has a purpose, and if so, what is it?” Each person will be free to answer these questions uniquely. Book fee: $9. Led by Mark Irving.
COMING IN JANUARY The Bible for Dummies Part 2 – The NEW Testament Begins Wednesday, January 8 | 6:30-7:30p.m. | Room 312 Mastering Pinterest Expectations in the Real World 2nd Thursday each month beginning January 14 | 9:15-11:15 a.m. | Fellowship Hall Kitchen With so many social media expectations geared towards making each of us the “perfect” parent, there are times when a little help from a friend can take those beautifully pictured meals and parenting advice “pins” to a level each of us can master. In this group geared towards the busy mom, we will explore a variety of Pinterest expectations once a month while taking the social media to the kitchen, home, and beyond. At our first session, we’ll look at how to master the bento box lunch with healthy and kid-approved options. Led by Liz Rito. More information provided with registration. Financial Peace University Sun. sessions begin Jan. 12 | 6:30 - 8 p.m. Wed. sessions begin Jan. 15 | 6:30 - 8 p.m.
MANCHESTERUMC.ORG | 7
Worship Sunday Sanctuary 8 a.m. (Traditional) 9:30 a.m. (Contemporary) 11 a.m. (Traditional)
03
Taize Service of Healing 7 p.m. Sanctuary
Monday
Tuesday
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Wednesday
06
M&M’s Dinner 5:15 - 6:30 p.m.
Thanksgiving Food Drive Begins Pre-Member Class | 5 - 8 p.m. Sunday Worship Sanctuary 8 a.m. (Traditional) 9:30 a.m. (Contemporary) 11 a.m. (Traditional)
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Tuesday
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Wednesday M&Ms Dinner 5:15 - 6:30 p.m.
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Pre-Member Class 5 - 8 p.m.
Sunday All Student Weekend Worship Sanctuary
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Tuesday
19
Wednesday
20
M&Ms Dinner 5:15 - 6:30 p.m.
8 a.m. (Traditional) 9:30 a.m. (Contemporary) 11 a.m. (Traditional) Thanksgiving Food Drive Ends
Sunday Worship Sanctuary 8 a.m. (Traditional) 9:30 a.m. (Contemporary) 11 a.m. (Traditional)
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Fair Trade Market 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
8 | MANCHESTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Monday
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Tuesday
26
Wednesday
27
Thursday
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08
NOVEMBER
Senior High Retreat to Blue Mountain
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Thursday
Friday
Saturday
09
Friday
15
14
Thursday
Thanksgiving Day
21
Friday
28
Friday
Fair Trade Market 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday
16
Family Mission Day 9 a.m. - Noon
Youth Confirmation Retreat Overnight
Thursday
2013
22
Saturday Fair Trade Market 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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23
Saturday
30
Fair Trade Market 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Red Cross Blood Drive 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Visit manchesterumc.org/schedule for a complete listing of all classes and room numbers.
MANCHESTERUMC.ORG | 9
Hanging of the Greens (all services) Sunday Worship Sanctuary 8 a.m. (Traditional) 9:30 a.m. (Contemporary) 11 a.m. (Traditional)
01
Tuesday
Fair Trade Market 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Pre-Member Class | 5 - 8 p.m. Gifts in White
Sunday
Monday
Holiday Brass Concerts
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Tuesday
02 03 10
Worship Sanctuary 8 a.m. (Traditional) 9:30 a.m. (Contemporary) 11 a.m. (Traditional)
Wednesday
04
M&M’s Dinner 5:15 - 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Shalom House Christmas Dinner
08 11
Pre-Member Class 5 - 8 p.m. Kingdom House Christmas Shop
Worship Sanctuary
Sunday
15
Monday
16
Monday
23
8 a.m. (Traditional) 9:30 a.m. (Contemporary) 11 a.m. (Traditional) The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 12:15 p.m. & 4 p.m.
Sunday Worship Sanctuary 8 a.m. (Traditional) 9:30 a.m. (Contemporary) 11 a.m. (Traditional)
22
Sing Christmas Ring Christmas Concert 7:30 p.m. 10 | MANCHESTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Tuesday
24
Christmas Eve Services 1 p.m. - Traditional 3 p.m. - Family Worship 5 p.m. - Contemporary 7 p.m. - Traditional 9 p.m. - Candlelit Traditional 11 p.m. - Candlelit Traditional
Thursday
05
Friday
06
DECEMBER
Coventry Choir Dinner/Concert 6:30 p.m.
02
Saturday
2013
07
Coventry Choir Dinner/Concert 6:30 p.m.
Thursday
12
13
Friday
Children’s Christmas Festival 6 - 8 p.m.
Saturday
14
Children’s Christmas Festival 8 a.m. - Noon The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 6 p.m.
Thursday
19
20
Friday
Saturday
21
Saturday
28
Early Christmas Eve Service 7 p.m. Sanctuary
Wednesday Merry Christmas Office Closed
Thursday
25
26
Friday
Sunday
29
Mid-High Lock in at The Edge 8 p.m. - 8 a.m. Monday
27 Monday
30
Tuesday
31
Have a safe and Happy New Year!
Normal Sunday Servies
Visit manchesterumc.org/schedule for a complete listing of all classes and room numbers.
MANCHESTERUMC.ORG | 11
ADULT CLASS LISTINGS, CONTINUED MORE GREAT CLASSES CELEBRATION OF LIGHT PRAYER OPPORTUNITY Wednesday, Dec. 4 | 6:30-7:15 p.m. | Sanctuary Join with others for a peace-filled time of prayer and reflection to start our Advent season. Together we will reflect on the Scriptures that use light as an image for God and Jesus, sing hymns, and light personal prayer candles. Led by Debbie Irving, Dir. of Faith Formation.
WHAT IS FAIR TRADE? Sundays, Nov 3. – 17 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Room 223 As we gear up for our annual Fair Trade Market, have you ever wondered what exactly “Fair Trade” means? David Butler invites you to join him for a three-week exploration of fair trade, how it relates to the Bible and practical steps each one of us can take to weave fair trade practice into our lives.
Stop by the small groups table in the Narthex on Sunday to learn more about classes, and to register!
MAKING ADVENT WREATHS Wednesday, Nov. 20 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Room 133 In this hands-on crafty class, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from all sorts of Advent Wreath styles in order to make one that suites you! Open to all ages – children must be accompanied by an adult. Led by Debbie Irving, Dir. of Faith Formation. Materials fee: $5.
PRE-MEMBER CLASS Sundays, Nov. 3 & 10 OR Sundays, Dec. 1 & 8 | 5 - 8 p.m. | Room 141 Those interested in joining Manchester UMC, or current members who want a refresher, are invited to attend this 2-week session. This class provides a great place to meet people, get to know more about Christianity and United Methodism, and to find out how to get plugged into our programs and service ministry. Dinner is provided. Childcare provided with advance registration. To register, or for more information, contact Jen White at jen.white@ manchesterumc.org or 636.200.4734.
REGISTER NOW 12 | MANCHESTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Scan this QR Code or visit manchesterumc.org/smallgroups to sign-up.
F
Felicia
A LOOK AHEAD:
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD BY CARRIE WING
H
ave you ever wondered how a third world, war-torn, poverty-stricken country celebrates Christmas? One could assume it is not with a huge evergreen in their living room, stockings personalized over the fireplace, and mounds of gifts for everyone, including pets. Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse that provides children in the above-mentioned situations to receive small gifts, including faith-based materials. The first boxes were put together and distributed in 1993 and just last year OCC hit the largest number of shoes boxes collected in a year: over 9 million from across the world and over 6.5 million from the U.S. alone! Our youth at MUMC may never have a chance to travel to Uganda, India, or Thailand to distribute boxes to these children, but this year, in partnership with Operation Christmas Child, the youth threw their own “Packing Party” to get the boxes for the children ready! They were provided with the items, then they loaded the boxes, wrapped them up, and felt the satisfaction of helping needy children across the world. While packing, they experienced fellowship with their peers, learned more about OCC – and ate some pizza for dinner. For more information on donating or volunteering for OCC, please contact Amy Tuggle at occ.amytuggle@gmail.com.
CONFIRMATION
O
ur Confirmation Course for students in 7th and 8th Grades, who have not yet become members of Manchester United Methodist Church, begins on November 15/16 with our annual family dinner and student overnight. Families will be meeting each other and our course leaders over chili and potluck sides at 6 p.m. Our lock-in begins at 7 p.m. at MUMC for our students, where they will be told about the course and what they can expect before and after they take their vows as members on Saturday, April 12.
Senior High Retreat at Blue Mountain Friday, November 8 - 10 7 p.m. Fri. - noon Sunday
Confirmation Overnight Fri., Nov. 15 to Sat., Nov. 16 6 p.m. Fri. to 9 a.m. Sat.
All-Student Services Sun., Nov. 17 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.
Mid-High Lock-Out (with Lazer Tag at The Edge) Sun., Dec. 29 to Mon., Dec. 30 8 p.m. Sun. to 9 a.m. Mon.
College Mission Trip to New Mexico Sat., Jan. 4 to Sun., Jan. 12 8 a.m. Sat. to Sun. noon
Baptism at The Pointe
This year, our Confirmation Course will focus more heavily on parent/student interaction with each other and with our church. As students will be owning their baptismal vows, the Christian faith, and local church membership, we are also seeking to connect parents to the church in ways that will help them support the vows made by students.
Sun., Jan. 12
Of course, students can expect retreats, sessions with other students, exploration events with other faiths, and days of service. These are elements that our students have enjoyed in the past. We expect another huge group of Confirmation students in this year’s course, and we are excited for the chance to welcome them.
In Springfield, MO
6 to 8 p.m.
WOW (Weekend of Worship)
Sat., Jan. 25 to Sun., Jan. 26 7 a.m. Sat. to 2 p.m. Sun.
Confirmation enrollment continues until November 15, and interested families can pick up information at the welcome center or outside of the youth office at MUMC.
MANCHESTERUMC.ORG | 13
EDUCATION & SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES NOVEMBER Thanksgiving Food Drive (November 3 – 17) Circle of Concern provides a Thanksgiving dinner basket to all of their clients and their families. Your donations of non-perishable Thanksgiving food items and frozen turkeys help insure that these families in West County are able to have a full Thanksgiving dinner. For a list of specific food items most needed, visit the Faith in Action table in the Narthex.
December 7 & 8: Manchester UMC’s Gifts in White Weekend Help make the holidays special for those in need by giving clothing, toys, kitchen items, and other items wrapped in white paper. Volunteers are also needed to help unwrap and deliver items to the agencies immediately following the 11 a.m. worship service on the 8th. (Please visit the Faith in Action table in the Narthex or visit manchesterumc.org/fia for wish lists of items most needed.)
Thanksgiving Service Opportunities at Circle of Concern (November 18 - 23) Volunteers are needed to receive donations at Circle of Concern in Valley Park on November 18-23 from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. or from noon-3 p.m. (plus 4-5 p.m. on the 20th). You can also volunteer to prepare the distribution site at St. John’s UCC on November 21 (9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. or noon - 3 p.m.), and assist in the distribution event on November 23 (Noon; tear-down from noon-2 p.m.)
December 8-13: Kingdom House Christmas Shop Help stock/re-stock gifts and assist clients in their shopping experience. Various shifts available each day.
Volunteer at Epworth – Monday November 11 Volunteers are needed to serve dinner at Epworth’s Drop-In Center in University City from 5:30 - 8 p.m. These evening gatherings serve young adults who have “aged out” of foster care and its support system, providing meals, opportunities to socialize, and educational programs/activities on topics related to important life skills. (Volunteers must be 21+) Contact Barb Zenser zenser@sbcglobal.net or 636.394.4608 for more information or to sign up to serve. Serve Dinner at The Bridge – November 20 (3:30-6 p.m.) Manchester UMC sponsors dinner at The Bridge on the third Wednesday of every month, helping provide a nutritious meal to homeless guests in St. Louis. Volunteers (ages 10 and up) are needed from 3:30-6 p.m. to help prepare and serve the evening meal on November 20. No experience necessary! This is a great opportunity for individuals, families, and small groups to make a difference in the lives of others.
GROUP DISCUSSIONS:
December 11: Shalom House Holiday Party (6 p.m.) (MUMC Fellowship Hall) Assist in meal preparations for the women of Shalom House’s annual Christmas party, with this year’s entertainment provided by Manchester UMC’s drama ministry’s production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” December 16: Epworth Children & Family Services Holiday Party (6 p.m.) (University City Drop-In Center) Help prepare and serve the food, decorate, and provide a fun and festive atmosphere for youth at the University City DropIn Center. (volunteers must be 21+) December 21: Longest Night Memorial Service at The Bridge Dinner (5 p.m.) On this longest night of the year, help prepare and serve a meal after the city-wide memorial service that remembers all of the homeless that have died in the past year.
To register, or for more information on any of the above service opportunities, visit manchesterumc.org/fia, stop by the Faith in Action table in the Narthex on Sundays, or e-mail Rev. Beth Elders, Director of Outreach & Missions at beth. elders@manchesterumc.org.
What is Fair Trade? • November 3, 10, 17 at 9:30 a.m. Examine the what/why/how of Fair Trade, discuss its Biblical connections, and learn how to buy and utilize Fair Trade products.
Contact Debbie Irving at 636.200.4720 or debbie. irving@manchesterumc. See the November calendar for dates of the Fair Trade market. org| to learn more.UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 14 MANCHESTER
Advent Events At-a-glance Making Advent Wreaths
Wednesday, November 20 – 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Advent – A Peace-filled Class for Your Busy Holidays Sundays, November 24-December 29 - 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Epworth Drop-In Center Christmas Party University City Drop In Center Monday, December 16 – 6 p.m.
Early Christmas Eve Service
United Methodist Men’s Christmas Tree Lot
Friday, December 20, 2013 – 7 p.m. – Sanctuary (Candlelight Service)
Hanging of the Greens Worship Services
The Longest Night Worship Service at The Bridge
Lot opens Friday, November 29 – Tuesday, December 24 – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, December 1- All Services
Saturday, December 21– 5 p.m.
Advent Breakfasts – 6:30 a.m.
West County Care Christmas Party
Wednesday, December 4 Wednesday, December 11 Wednesday, December 18
Celebration of Light Prayer Opportunity Wednesday, December 4 – 6:30-7:15 p.m.
The Amazing Grace of Christmas Class Wednesdays, December 4-18 – 6:30-7:30pm Led by Pastor Greg Weeks
Coventry Choir Dinner and Concert Friday, December 6 – 6:30 p.m. Saturday, December 7 – 6:30 p.m.
Gifts in White – all services
Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8
West County Care Center Sunday, December 22, 2013 – 2-3:30 p.m.
Sing Christmas, Ring Christmas Concert
Sunday, December 22, 2013 – 7:30 p.m.
Christmas Eve Worship Services
Tuesday, December 24, 2013 • 1 p.m. – Worship with Communion • 3 p.m. – Worship – Children & Family • 5 p.m. – Contemporary Worship • 7 p.m. – Worship • 9 p.m. – Candlelight Worship • 11 p.m. – Candlelight Worship
The Christmas Shop at Kingdom House Sunday, December 8 – Friday, December 13
Shalom House Christmas Party at MUMC Wednesday, December 11 – 6 p.m.
Children’s Christmas Festival
Friday, December 13 – 6-8 p.m. (with hot chocolate and cookies) Saturday, December 14 – 8:30 a.m. – Noon (with pancakes)
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Saturday, December 14 – 6 p.m. – Sandwich and Show Sunday, December 15 – 12:15 p.m. – Sandwich and Show Sunday, December 15 – 4 p.m. – Show Only
Visit manchesterumc. org for details about Pastor Greg’s Advent Sermon Series! MANCHESTERUMC.ORG | 15
CLERGY & PROGRAM STAFF
Have a question or a need? Contact Manchester UMC staff at firstname.lastname@manchesterumc.
Greg Weeks
Stephanie Lendt
Nancye Dunlap
Beth Elders
Jennifer Finley
Phil Estes
Debra Irving
Cartiay McCoy
Sally Cleveland
Pam Valenti
Ryan Langeland
Jen White
Kevin McBeth
Sherry Boland
Lori Borger
Will Brinkhorst
John Cargile
Mary Pettit
Senior Pastor 636.200.4703
Director of Faith Formation 636.200.4720
Director of Music 636.200.4712
Associate Pastor 636.200.4705
Associate Pastor 636.200.4704
Director of Communications 636.200.4749
Director of Children’s Worship & Nursery 636.200.4707
Handbell Program Director 636.200.4733
Director of Drama Ministry and Children’s Music Ministry 636.200.4716
Director of Outreach and Missions 636.200.4724
Circle of Friends (Preschool) Director 636.200.4718
Audio / Visual Coordinator 636.200.4741
Director of Children & Family Ministry 636.200.4731
Director of Youth Ministries 636.200.4735
Director of Administration 636.200.4706
New Member Coordinator 636.200.4734
Finance Director 636.200.4722
Organist/Music Associate 636.200.4728
A sermon series by Pastor Greg Weeks
FAITH in a Cynical World 1.5.14 - 2.9.14
VISIT MANCHESTERUMC.ORG TO LEARN MORE. DOWNLOAD THE
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