JUNE 2013
the
magazine BIKE RIDING FOR A CAUSE
MO-Hab Riders Connection Groups Activities for Every Age
Mission: Summer How Manchester United Methodist Ministries Make a Difference
JUNE
June 1- June 5 MO-Hab Ride Route 66 in Illinois
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see page 15 for additional dates
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04
MO-Hab Ride 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Circle of Friends Summer Session 1 Preschool Rooms
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Circle of Friends Summer Session 1 Preschool Rooms
07 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. United Methodist Women’s Market for Missions Garage Sale Fellowship Hall/Classrooms
MO-Hab Ride 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Circle of Friends Summer Session 1 Preschool Rooms
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Circle of Friends Summer Session 1 Preschool Rooms
Promotion Sunday Summer Sunday School Begins
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10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Men’s Annual Family BBQ Parking Lot & Fellowship Hall 5 p.m. Room at the Inn Room 133 & 137
2013
MO-Hab Ride
MO-Hab Ride
7 a.m. - noon United Methodist Women’s Market for Missions Garage Sale Fellowship Hall/Classrooms
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YOUTH ST. LOUIS MISSION TRIP
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6 - 8 p.m. Youth Pajama Party & Movie Night Fellowship Hall
13 CIRCLE OF FRIENDS SUMMER SESSION 2 Preschool Rooms
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8 a.m. (Traditional) 9:30 a.m. (Contemporary) 11 a.m. (Traditional)
5 p.m. Saturday Worship Chapel
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Sunday Worship Sanctuary
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A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
The sun is out. The breeze is blowing. Children are playing outside. There are family and barbecue events galore. Summertime is here! Summer is a time to get out and play—to explore the great outdoors. See the flowers in full-bloom, feel the cool of water, taste the season’s ripest fruits, smell aromas from the grill, and hear the crisp chirping of birds. At Manchester UMC, we encourage our members and friends to embark upon “mission summer.” Make it your business to enjoy this season, and why not make a difference for Christ in the world while you’re at it? This new publication and first edition of the Difference is designed to share ministry news, stories, and connection opportunities available at Manchester UMC. Take a look at the June calendar on pages 2 and 15. Learn more about ongoing volunteer opportunities for all ages and abilities on page 6. There are so many ways to connect, and our prayer is that you do just that this summer. Do you have news to share? Visit manchesterumc.org/comms to submit news for the next issue of the Difference magazine.
Cartiay McCoy Director of Communications
04 MO-HAB RIDERS & STEPHEN MINISTRY “This summer, I’ll be taking mission trips with Manchester United Methodist Youth. “ —Will Brinkhorst, Audio/Visual Coordinator
“I’m anxiously awaiting the arrival of our children and granddaughter for a visit from Dubai, plus seeing my youngest this summer.”
—Jan Doyle, Office Manager
Manchester United Methodist Church
“I look forward to the July sermon series about the Bible. We’ll dive into some great topics. Learn more on page 14. ”
—Rev. Greg Weeks, Senior Pastor
06 MAKING A DIFFERENCE AT ANY AGE
08 CONNECTION GROUP SPOTLIGHT
11 FAITH FORMATION CLASS LISTINGS
129 Woods Mill Rd. Manchester, MO 63011 www.manchesterumc.org | 636.394.7506 MANCHESTERUMC.ORG | 3
BIKE RIDING FOR A CAUSE
MO-HAB RIDERS
Habitat for Humanity believes that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. At Manchester UMC, we do too. That’s why the MO-Hab Riders have bicycled for 15 years to raise funds and awareness for Habitat for Humanity. This June, MO-Hab Riders will peddle 250 miles of Route 66 in Illinois. Everyone can participate in the ride by sponsoring the riders. Visit manchesterumc.org/mohab to learn more about this ministry, or to donate toward this ride.
STEPHEN MINISTRY CARE AT ITS BEST
MANCHESTER UMC Stephen Ministers are trained and supervised lay volunteers who care in the name of Christ. They are available to listen, support, encourage and pray—all confidentially. 4 | MANCHESTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Confidentiality Feel free to share with your Stephen Minister without worry, as information is kept confidential. There are rare occasions when a Stephen Minister must share confidential information in order to save a life. These include suicide, homicide, or abuse.
How does Stephen Ministry work? Stephen Ministers meet with care receivers for one hour per week. The relationship lasts as long as necessary based on the reason for care.
When is a Stephen Minister needed? Crisis care - death in the family, emergency, arrest of a loved one, etc. Follow-up care - once the crisis is over, Stephen Ministers help with transitions. Chronic care - support and care for those with deteriorating conditions. Preventive care - a listening ear for people to let off steam before a crisis develops. Visit manchesterumc.org > Caring & Help to learn more.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
H
abitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization with the aim to eliminate poverty through housing assistance. Volunteers help build affordable homes for families in need. Manchester UMC partners in the sponsorship of a house with six other United Methodist churches. Sponsoring organizations provide the seed money for the construction to help defray costs, and also provide the majority of the labor. At Manchester UMC, we are blessed by the members and friends who bike many miles to help raise this money for our participation with Habitat - The MO-Hab Riders. The future homebuyers are selected through a rigorous screening process. They must be first-time homebuyers and be employed within a range of income established by Habitat for Humanity. As a down payment, the homebuyer works on the house for 350 sweat equity hours. When the house is completed, the family pays a 25 to 30-year mortgage, but with no interest. Those payments go back into Habitat as seed money to help with future homes.
Each Wednesday, the MUMC Habitat for Humanity group leaves the church around 7:45 a.m. until about 3:30 p.m. to work on homes. Volunteers are welcomed!
Habitat for Humanity St. Louis also provides the homebuyers with a family partner and offers many training classes like home budgeting, etc. Habitat for Humanity St. Louis has built 25 to 50 homes in a neighborhood to ultimately build community. If you are interested in participating with Manchester UMC on a Habitat build date, please contact Terry and Barb Zenser at zenser@sbcglobal.net or at 636.394.4608.
MANCHESTERUMC.ORG | 5
MISSION & OUTREACH Children, teens, adults, and seniors placed their Faith in Action at our four core mission agencies.
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magine the difference that dispersing more than 960 people throughout four core communities to serve makes on our city. On Faith in Action day, the many members and friends of Manchester UMC participated in a wide range of projects, including: painting, gardening, making lunches, making essential tolietry bags, cleaning and
more—all to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Manchester UMC has made a commitment to the four United Methodist social service agencies in the St. Louis area: The Bridge, Epworth Children & Family Services, Kingdom House, and Shalom House. These became our Four Core Mission Initiatives, and our focus is on increasing our connection with
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them through volunteer service by our members, visitors, and ministry areas. There is a place for everyone to make a difference. We encourage all of our ministry areas and all members and visitors to continue volunteering and supporting these ministries. Visit manchesterumc.org/fia for more information.
SUMMER SERVICE OPTIONS
ONGOING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES KINGDOM HOUSE SUMMER BBQ SUNDAY, JUNE 30 | 12:30 - 2 p.m. Celebrate summer by sharing food and fellowship with Kingdom House families! Volunteers are needed to help set-up, prepare and serve food, and play games with children and families. A 10:40 a.m. shuttle bus (following the 9:30 worship service) and a 12:10 p.m. shuttle bus (following the 11 a.m. worship service) are provided. Donating $2 provides food and drink for one attendee. KINGDOM HOUSE VBS AUGUST 5–9 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Manchester UMC is sponsoring the final week of Kingdom House’s summer-long day camp, helping provide enriching opportunities for children while also providing free childcare for their parents. Children receive breakfast, lunch, snack, VBS t-shirt, CD of music, and all materials. Volunteer opportunities are available for Safe Sanctuary Certified individuals for the entire week, single dates, and in morning or afternoon shift options. Donations are accepted. SNEAKERS WITH SOUL AUGUST 10 | 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Volunteers are needed in three shifts to assist in this back-to-school event. Monetary donations are accepted. Sneaker donations will be accepted between July 6 and August 4. Find out more at manchesterumc.org/ sneakers.
KINGDOM HOUSE THRIFT SHOP CLERK GARDENER FOOD PANTRY SUMMER CAMP (JUNE, JULY, AND AUGUST)
SHALOM HOUSE COMPUTER LAB FOOD PANTRY MEAL PROVIDERS SATURDAY MORNING MOVERS
EPWORTH CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES MENTORS TUTORS LIFE SKILLS TRAINER/TEACHER BABYSITTING
THE BRIDGE FOOD PREPARATION COMMUNITY RESOURCE ROOM MEAL SERVICE BRIDGE BREAD
To donate, make checks payable to Manchester UMC and indicate the event name in the memo line. To volunteer, or to learn more about any service opportunity, visit manchesterumc.org/fia or call Beth Elders at 636.200.4724. MANCHESTERUMC.ORG | 7
Celebrate God’s welcoming love for everyone at Cokesbury’s Everywhere Fun Fair: Where God’s World Comes Together!
CHOOSE ONE OF OUR TWO PROGRAMS:
Connection
SPOTLIGHT MUMC CAMPS
Register at manchesterumc.org/worshipartscamp Children 4th - 6th grades explore puppets, singing, dancing, drama, visual arts, stomp percussion and beginning guitar each evening from 6-8 p.m. With options for children K-3rd grade and special programs for adults, Worship Arts Camp is the perfect place for families this summer. Visit the website to see a detailed schedule and to register your family.
Fun Fair Evening July 14–18 Sunday – Thursday 6 – 8 p.m. Fun Fair Morning July 15–18 Monday – Thursday 9 a.m.–Noon Scan this QR code or visit manchesterumc. org/VBS2013 to register for VBS. 8 | MANCHESTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
JUNE 24-27 Register 1st - 5th grade children at manchesterumc.org/summer!
Join the adventure! During this Bible based day camp (8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.,) elementary-aged children will make their own treasure chests, create their own scavenger hunts, and discover the treasure of wisdom in God’s Word.
SUMMER BY CARTIAY MCCOY
T
his summer, we encourage children and families to share stories that spark faith.
Spark’s Summer Splash in God’s Word immerses kids in scripture through faith-filled games, science activities, crafts, music and more!
Summer Sunday School begins: June 2 - August 18 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
“I love Summer Sunday
Children Age 3 (by Aug. 1, 2013) through 6th grade are welcomed.
both children and
Participants begin in these rooms: Three and four year olds: Room 109
Think about all of the Bible stories you know that include water. Stories about Kindergarten and first grade: Room 111 Noah’s Ark, Jonah and the big fish, Jesus walking on water, the woman at the Second and third grades: Room 116 well, and more, might come to mind. Fourth, fifth and sixth grades: Room 106 With Splash, children will gather in small groups, open the Bible to learn Contact Jennifer Finley at more about each story, activate their jennifer.finley@manchesterumc.org or faith in hands-on activities, and finish call 636.200.4731 to learn more about the day in groups with a shepherd. Summer Sunday School or children and family programs. Each week, a theme word will help kids focus on a concept from each story. Ask Visit manchesterumc.org/summer your children about which theme was woven into activities for that day.
School because it allows adults to depart from our normal school year routines. This summer, children will get to know Bible characters, and explore God’s amazing love in both large and small group settings.” —Jennifer Finley Dir. of Children & Family Ministry MANCHESTERUMC.ORG | 9
SMALL GROUPS
Find unique ways to connect with others! Small group listings are available for all ages and serve a variety of interests. Culture Clash: Judaism, Christianity + Roman Empire (Sundays, June 2 and 9 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.; Room 141 | Dinner provided) The New Testament is littered with references to the Roman and Jewish cultures of the time. While the authors of the New Testament did not have to explain these to their readers, 2000 years later we have to do a little homework to understand the conflicts that Christ and his church faced in the first century. This is a crash course in Roman culture and early Christian history that will provide background and context to the New Testament.
Families in Service Together (Tuesday, July 2 | 6:15 – 7:45 p.m. | Room TBA | Snacks provided) Learn about opportunities for your family to serve in mission in the St. Louis area. We will also be in service together this night. This presentation for adults coincides with the Worship Arts Camp (see page 8).
Walking Groups Walking groups are currently in session. Each walking time begins with a devotion and prayer. Each week we walk at a different park in our area. Schedules will be e-mailed during spring registration. Shared leadership for devotions
Young Adult Study (Ages 18 - 25) Inked: Choosing God’s Mark to Transform Your Life (Begins the week of June 16) Using the current tattoo culture as a springboard, the authors look at how tattoos tell a lot about the wearer. Acknowledging that life events have “marked” us, too, we’ll explore what it means to be marked as a Christian in today’s world. Classes will be held at St. Louis Bread Co. in Des Peres, near Manchester & I-270. Dates and times TBA.
REGISTER NOW 10 | MANCHESTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Scan this QR Code or visit manchesterumc.org to sign-up.
FAITH FORMATION 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 WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY (Wednesdays, May 29 – July 31 | 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. | Room 222 (no class June 5) Entering the New Testament is an informational Bible study that explores five readings a week and invites you to enter into the passages as you connect them to your daily life. During the group time each week, insights to Scripture and life application will be shared. Led by Pam Campbell and Susan Miller. Book fee: $10.
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY (Saturdays, 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. | Room 141) All men are invited to dive into new Scriptures each week as we delve into what each passage says and means. Lessons are e-mailed ahead of time. Copies are also available each Saturday morning. Coffee provided. Presented by the United Methodist Men. Led by Rev. Steve Harbaugh
LIFE STAGES & FELLOWSHIP A NIGHT OUT
Becky Strickland has her BA and MA in English. She has worked for 11 years as a middle school teacher. She is a professional development leader in the Francis Howell School District. Strickland also writes curriculum. Strickland is the mother of two boys, ages 12 and 14, and loves to help youth thrive in their teenage years. Join her at Worship Arts Camp.
Dates & locations will vary Adults of all ages are encouraged to find a dinner group and/or act as a host and embark on a journey where new foods are discovered and new friendships are formed. Some dinners are one-time events and others will be ongoing. Venues can be St. Louis area restaurants and/ or members’ homes. For more information, contact Trish Gunby, gunbyfamily@charter.net, 636.230.5597.
PARENTING THROUGH THE MIDDLE SCHOOL YEARS (Monday, July 1 | 6:15 – 7:45 p.m. | Room TBA; Dessert provided) Educator and parent Becky Strickland (see bio at right) will be sharing insights and strategies for successful navigation of the middle school years. This presentation for adults coincides with the Worship Arts Camp (see page 8).
MOVIE NIGHT: JOSHUA (Wednesday, July 3 | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.; Room TBA | Popcorn provided) Parents and children are invited to watch Joshua in a MUMC movie night. This presentation coincides with the Worship Arts Camp (see page 8).
MANCHESTERUMC.ORG | 11
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Six fun-filled, educational summer camps for children ages three to six.
BY KANDACE HERRING
C
uriosity plays a big part in all children’s lives. How does this work? What is this for? How do snakes move if they don’t have legs? We could answer all of these questions, and sometimes we do. But because we want children to see themselves as inventors, problem solvers, discoverers, and capable learners, we encourage them to explore, observe, take things apart, build, create, draw and see what they can find out on their own. For over 45 years, the Circle of Friends Early Childhood Center has offered a variety of preschool programs for children ages one to six. We believe all children should have the opportunity to grow and learn to their fullest potential. We recognize each child as special and unique. We enhance the development of a positive self-concept by providing developmentally appropriate activities and experiences for success. We encourage young learners as they grow toward independence, confidence and responsibility. What could be better than spending your school year with us? Join us during the summer too! This summer, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., we will host a six-week series of themed camps, taught by degreed, CPR and first-aid trained teachers. June 3 – 6 The Great Outdoors June 10 – 13 Mad Scientists June 17 – 20 Space Odyssey June 24 – 27 Treasure Hunters July 1 – 3 Let’s Get Cooking July 8 – 11 Under the Big Top Summer classes are designed for children ages three through six, who are toilet-trained and have attended a preschool program before.
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Manchester
TRIPS, CAMPS & SUMMER
UNITED METHODIST YOUTH
Learn more about Ryan Langeland, Felicia Gonski, and Carrie Wing—the staff that serve our youth ministry.
MUMY students will be travelling on three mis-
Ryan
Q
sion trips:
What is your motivation to do Youth Ministry?
Ryan, Youth Director: I think youth ministry is all about forming communities, and that students have a God-given knack for it. As they grow in faith, they grow with each other, and that’s cool to see! I believe that God gives us the example of perfect community, and I believe that it’s my calling to work for youth communities where God moves. In this process, I get to plan events with awesome worship music and games with pool noodles.
Q
1. St. Louis (Grades 5-6) 2. New Orleans (Senior High) 3. Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma (Mid-High)
As a social worker, why do you choose to work as MUMY’s Small Groups Coach?
While mid-high students will attend Spirit Camp
Felicia, Coach of Youth Small Groups: I am in youth ministry because of the faith formation it provides for the students within a supportive community of their peers, adult volunteers, the youth team, and the church at large. I take great pleasure in planning activities that foster a sense of belonging and growth in our students, and my hope is they remember the activities and groups and can reflect and use them for further exploration in their faith. I truly believe if we want youth to grow in and with the church, then, we as adults and the larger church, need to fully engage and support them throughout their adolescent years. I absolutely love my job and would not change it for the world - it helps when the youth are as AWESOME as the ones at MUMC!
Felicia
with juniors and seniors serving as their counselors, freshmen will be here at MUMC teaching a Sixth Grade Boot Camp for young students new to the youth program.
On Sunday, July 21 from 6 - 8 p.m., MUMY will celebrate a Christmas in July Potluck (including an
Q Carrie
Why do you want to work for the Youth Department at Manchester United Methodist?
Carrie, Coordinator of Youth Communications & Hospitality: I am constantly impressed by the amazing youth programming that happens here at MUMC. My strength and my passion is to inform our students and parents about these opportunities so that not one minute of Felicia and Ryan’s work goes to waste. If you want to know about great plans the youth are making, contact me and I’ll give you an earful. Another part of my job is to welcome visiting students and to help them find a home in one of our small groups. If you are in grades 6 through 12 and are interested in a small group, let me or Felicia know.
Ugly Christmas Sweater contest).
To learn more about the youth ministry, visit manchesterumc. org/youth or call
636.200.4710.
MANCHESTERUMC.ORG | 13
w o n K o t d e e N u o Y t a h W about The Bible: a sermon series s by Pastor Greg Week
July 7 out the Bible Basic Questions ab OK. Find real world ’s We’re curious, and that ns about God’s Word. tio es answers to valid qu . Communion provided
July 14
Old Testament Understanding the Shalts,” and why the u Find out about the “Tho e relevant for today. ar ts words of the prophe
July 21
New Testament Understanding the lations in Christ, and reve Explore the powerful ting to us. God’s new way of rela
July 28
ead the Bible? How Should You R hether you’re .W Discovery is permitted mmunity, find out how co a reading alone or in imagination helps. of July, our During the month the Bible. focus is on anchester UMC We encourage all M nds to bring a members and frie e the article to Bible to worship. Se Debbie Irving t the right, or contac le questions. with any Bib
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WHAT BIBLE SHOULD I USE? Several factors go into deciding which Bible is right for you. Here are a few tips: STUDY OR DEVOTIONAL READING? A good study Bible provides introductions to each book of the Bible, giving you an idea about who wrote it, when it was written and what the major themes are in the book. The New Oxford Annotated Bible (2010) and The Harper Collins Study Bible are both strong choices for overall study. If you want a Bible for devotional reading only, you may want to consider a Bible that relates to an area of your interest. (Women’s, Men’s, Student, “Green” and Poverty and Justice are several examples) WHICH VERSION IS BEST FOR YOU? Solid translations in English include the NRSV (New Revised Standard Version), NIV (New International Version) and CEB (Common English Bible.) The CEB uses the most current, everyday English. SO, HOW DO I DECIDE? It’s a good idea to look at a few Bibles side-by-side and compare how they translate a favorite passage, what the notes say and which translation fits with your style of reading. Looking at Psalm 23 is usually a good place to start. If you have further questions, please feel free to send me an e-mail. Debbie Irving, Dir. Faith Formation debbie.irving@manchesterumc.org
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17 6 p.m. United Methodist Men Picnic Manchester Park
8 a.m. (Traditional) 02 9:30 a.m. (Contemporary) 11 a.m. (Traditional)
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Circle of Friends Summer Session 3 Preschool Rooms
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8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Circle of Friends Summer Session 3 Preschool Rooms
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Circle of Friends Summer Session 3 Preschool Rooms
5 p.m. Saturday Worship Chapel
Sunday Worship Sanctuary
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Sunday Worship Sanctuary
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Circle of Friends Summer Session 4 Preschool Rooms
8 a.m. (Traditional) 9:30 a.m. (Contemporary) 11 a.m. (Traditional)
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9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Blood Drive Trinity Lutheran Church 5 p.m. Saturday Worship Chapel
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Sunday Worship Sanctuary 8 a.m. (Traditional) 9:30 a.m. (Contemporary) 11 a.m. (Traditional)
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12:30 - 2 p.m. Kingdom House Summer BBQ (Busses depart after 9:30 and 11 a.m. worship services) MANCHESTERUMC.ORG | 15
CLERGY & PROGRAM STAFF
Have a question or a need? Contact Manchester UMC staff at firstname.lastname@manchesterumc.org.
Greg Weeks
Stephanie Lendt
Nancye Dunlap
Beth Elders
Jennifer Finley
Debra Irving
Cartiay McCoy
Sally Cleveland
Kandace Herring
Ryan Langeland
Jen White
Kevin McBeth
Sherry Boland
Lori Borger
Will Brinkhorst
John Cargile
Phil Estes
Senior Pastor 636.200.4703
Director of Faith Formation 636.200.4720
Director of Music 636.200.4712
Associate Pastor 636.200.4705
Director of Communications 636.200.4749
Handbell Program Director 636.200.4733
Associate Pastor 636.200.4704
Director of Children’s Worship & Nursery 636.200.4707
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
New Member Coordinator 636.200.4734
Business Administrator 636.200.4706
Organist/Music Associate 636.200.4728
VISIT MANCHESTERUMC.ORG TO LEARN MORE. DOWNLOAD THE MUMC CONNECT APP
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