News from the Pleasant Grove Pews - April 2024

Hope Springs Eternal

The calendar says spring is finally here, although you wouldn’t know it looking at the weather this first week of April. But for Christians, hopes and dreams are always alive.

Pastor Paul Klepees is looking at our dreams this month — a whole field of them! His sermon series, called “Field of Dreams,” explores the significant role dreams play in Scripture and in our lives today. Read his perspective on page 2.

We’re reveling in April showers this month — at least, the kind you find in a bathroom. For April, Pleasant Grove will Fill The Cart with personal hygiene essentials that will go to SERVE, Callaway County’s ecumenical social service agency. Get the details on page 2.

As the seasons change, so does the church calendar. Check it out on page 5 to stay up to date on events at Pleasant Grove.

We had some turnover on the Administrative Board a few months ago. Some members’ terms expired and new board members stepped up to serve. Over the next few months, we’ll be featuring a few board members each month so you can get to know them better. We start the series with Chairman Bennie

Young on page 7.

NextGen Minister Kris O’Neal has been pondering the power of the mind. He and the youth group have learned some fascinating facts about focus and how that affects our trust in God. He shares more on page 10.

Get caught up on all the Pleasant Grove news announcements on page 13, and then turn to United Methodist news as Pastor Paul unpacks the United Methodist General Conference on pages 14-16. Among other things, you’ll find out why the conference — which convenes later this month in Charlotte, North Carolina — is billed as the 2020 General Conference in 2024 …

Relive our joyous Easter celebration through photos beginning on page 20. And welcome to our new members, newly baptized young ones and this year’s confirmands.

Pleasant Grove has so many ways to continue our outreach. We offer a few ideas on page 29.

As always, dear reader, News from the Pews is your newsletter. Keep sharing those photos with us! Send your news, photos and suggestions to Kathy Casteel at kcasteel@ktis.net and Betsy Bell at mammabell003@gmail.com. We can’t wait to hear from you!

APRIL 2024

PASTOR

Paul Klepees pastor@mypgumc.org

NEXTGEN MINISTER

Kris O’Neal nextgen@mypgumc.org

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Kayla O’Neal admin@mypgumc.org

PLEASANT GROVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

3686 State Road E Auxvasse, MO 65231 Office: 573-387-4822

Pastor’s cell: 816-752-3635

MyPGUMC.org

Church services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday School 10:10 a.m.

Youth Bible Study 6:30–8:30 p.m.

For prayer requests, our Prayer Tree number is 573-386-2978, email mfansler@hotmail.com.

For announcements or Information Tree: nalinville.church@gmail.com.

THE PASTOR’S PEACE

Discovering God’s Plan for Your Life

As we reflect on the incredible worship experience we shared this Easter, where lives were transformed and the hope of the resurrection echoed in our hearts, we now turn our attention to the dreams God has for each of us.

In our upcoming sermon series, “Field of Dreams,” we’re diving into the intersection of faith and America’s pastime — baseball — to explore the significant role dreams play in Scripture and in our lives today.

Listen and Lean on Community

In our first week, we’ll be reminded of the importance of listening and leaning on our community to discern God’s dreams for our lives. Just as a baseball team relies on teamwork and communication to succeed, we too can benefit from the support and wisdom of those around us as we seek to understand God’s plan.

Contentment in God’s Work

Week 2 brings us the message of finding contentment in God’s work. Like a batter waiting for the perfect pitch, we learn to trust in God’s timing and provision, knowing that what is to come is far greater than what we could imagine.

Embracing Humility

What if we valued humility over being right? Week 3 challenges us to consider this question as we explore the importance of humility in our walk with God. Just as a humble player contributes to

BROTHERS AND SISTERS, I DO NOT CONSIDER MYSELF YET TO HAVE TAKEN HOLD OF IT. BUT ONE THING I DO: FORGETTING WHAT IS BEHIND AND STRAINING TOWARD WHAT IS AHEAD, I PRESS ON TOWARD THE GOAL TO WIN THE PRIZE FOR WHICH GOD HAS CALLED ME HEAVENWARD IN CHRIST JESUS.

I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT ON ALL PEOPLE. YOUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS WILL PROPHESY, YOUR OLD MEN WILL DREAM DREAMS, YOUR YOUNG MEN WILL SEE VISIONS.

JOEL 2:28

the success of the team, embracing humility allows us to align our dreams with God’s perfect plan.

Overcoming Loneliness

In our final week, we’ll tackle the theme of loneliness and discover the comforting truth that God is always with us. When we feel like we’ve reached the end of ourselves, we find solace and strength in the presence of the One who never leaves our side.

But Wait, There’s More!

Following Sunday worship services on April 28, we invite you to join us for a tailgate party. We’ll fire up the grill, hang out, and even catch a Cardinals game together. It’s a chance to build community, enjoy good food and celebrate the joys of fellowship.

So mark your calendars, grab your baseball caps, and get ready to step up to the plate as we embark on this exciting journey together.

Looking forward to sharing this adventure with you all!

FILL THE CART

This month, Pleasant Grove folks will Fill The Cart with body wash, soap and shampoo products. Donations of these personal hygiene essentials will go to SERVE, Callaway County’s ecumenical social service agency.

SERVE operates a countywide food pantry in Fulton, offering food items, personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies, household items and baby products to individuals in need, regardless of income. Pleasant Grove’s Fill The Cart collection will help replenish SERVE’s stock of hygiene products this spring.

Pleasant Grove distributes those SERVE offerings through our food pantry, which is a mobile site of the SERVE food pantry program. Boxes of food and other essentials are distributed at Pleasant Grove on the third Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the church basement. This month’s distribution date is April 18.

Let’s shower our neighbors with kindness this spring and help those in need get a clean start.

AND AS FOR YOU, BROTHERS AND SISTERS, NEVER TIRE OF DOING WHAT IS GOOD.

By Pastor Paul Klepees pictured left to right front: spencer, paul, gibson back: margie, ezra, and maverick klepees

EVENTSOF CALENDAR

Church Update: The 2024 Administrative Board

In January, the Pleasant Grove Administrative Board elected new officers and welcomed three new members who replaced those with expired terms.

The current Pleasant Grove Administrative Board includes:

• Bennie Young, chairman (term expires 2025)

• Laura Stinson, vice chair (term expires 2025)

• Nancy Linville, secretary (appointed position)

• Dan Cassidy, finance (term expires 2025)

• Ethan Marshall, trustee (term expires 2024)

• Heather Dease, staff-parish relations (term expires 2024)

• Cindy Feutz (term expires 2024)

• Debbie Shryock (term expires 2025)

• Josh Dennison (term expires 2026)

• Emery Jones (term expires 2026)

• Chris Spradlin (term expires 2026)

The board meets the last Tuesday of each month; meetings are open to all church members.

Getting to Know the PGUMC Board: Bennie Young

Administrative Board Chairman

Bennie Young has attended Pleasant Grove for the past 65 years. A self-employed welder, he has lived in Hatton since 1954. Bennie has operated Young’s Welding and Machine Shop since 1971, and in 1978 he opened Hatton Vermeer Sales, a hay equipment business. He and his wife, Meda, share four children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

As chairman of the board, Bennie only votes in case of a tie. In the years that he has served in the church leadership, Bennie says he has seen a tremendous number of accomplishments at Pleasant Grove. The decision to install a new video and sound system in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic began allowed the church to begin live streaming worship services when others were shut down, he notes. New ministries have launched such as Third Thurs-

day community lunch, SERVE food pantry and the Baby Grace program. The simplified board structure and installation of the Shelby system software has improved operations and communication, he adds.

Pleasant Grove is growing, Bennie says, pointing to the incredible growth of the children and youth programs, summer camp attendance, and greater turnout at first service and Sunday School. To accommodate that growth, the board has made several essential and aesthetic improvements to the facilities, including the rock wall in the sanctuary, repairs and renovations to the parsonage, extension of the east parking lot, and the recent installation of a state-of-the-art video camera and sound system. Bennie’s goal is for the board to continue to advance the mission and vision of Pleasant Grove, creating space for new and existing families to grow in the church.

Trust God … No Matter What

by NextGen Minister Kris O’Neal

These past few months we have been working through a Bible study on Sunday nights based on the book Winning the War in Your Mind by Craig Groeschel while also learning about leadership, emotion and anger in youth group. During this time, I have been working through the NextGen Leaders Academy and recently attended a seminar called “Hope for Tomorrow: Facing Gen Z’s Mental Health Crisis.”

Anyone who knows me well knows that I am a very logical minded, critical-thinking type of person. Through these studies, I have been reminded that our mind is such a powerful thing. What we focus on affects the way we deal with day-to-day obstacles and our overall general well-being.

What we focus on!

You see, if we choose to be anxious about things to come, or dwell on bad experiences we have had, or find the negative in every situation we face, we will not experience the joy God intends for us. But if we learn to be thankful for the things we have achieved, look forward to the plan God has for us, and look for the positive in each and every moment, it is much easier to accept His grace, and live in the moment being thankful for the opportunity to serve Him.

One of my favorite quotes from Craig Groeschel’s book says, “Do what I can do. Give God what I can’t do. Trust God, no matter what.” We will indeed be tested. Especially our minds. Scripture tells us that by testing (our minds) we may discern what is the will of God. In another passage we are told that no testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone … but with the testing he will also provide the way out.

As we just celebrated the resurrection and new life that comes in knowing Jesus, let us remain focused on Him as we attempt each day to win the war in our mind, through doing what we can and trusting Him with everything — no matter what!

DO

pictured left to right front: kourtney, kierstyn back: kayla, kris o’neal

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Bible Studies Turn the Page

The Tuesday morning women’s Bible study will tackle a potpourri of topics in April before recessing for summer. You’ll only need your Bible and a notepad for these studies.

• April 2: Waiting

• April 9: Gratitude

• April 16: Hope

• April 23: Seated at the Feast

For more information, contact Pat Hardesty at 573-819-2066 or email gardenerinpearls@ gmail.com.

The Thursday evening women’s Bible study will finish up its study of Hearing God 30 Different Ways on April 18 before adjourning for summer. Contact Nancy Linville with questions at 573-489-9513 or email nalinville. church@gmail.com.

Branson Bound

Pleasant Grove fifth-graders transitioning from Kids For Jesus to Limitless youth group are off to Branson April 12-13. The overnight trip will include a stop at Sight and Sound Theatre to see the live stage production of Queen Esther. For more information, contact Stephanie Fohey at 573-253-0705, email stephaniefohey@gmail.com, or Kris O’Neal at 417-718-4772, email nextgen@mypgumc.org.

On the Road Again … to Hermann

It’s Maifest in April for the On The Road Again gang. The travelers will head to Hermann for the day on Monday, April 15, to tour the Deutschheim State Historic Site and learn about Missouri’s German heritage. The group will enjoy German cuisine at a local restaurant and explore the shops and other attractions of Hermann. Meet at Kingdom City Hall parking lot at 8:30 a.m. For more information, contact Jan Hankinson at 573999-2139 or email janhankinson@gmail.com.

Girls’ Night Out

All women are invited to Women’s Ministries spring outing in Mexico, Missouri, on Thursday, May 2. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a tour of the historic home at 724 S. Jefferson St., hosted by interior designer Dene Myers. Dinner afterward will be at The 581 restaurant, 107 S. Washington St. Meet at Kingdom City Hall or Pleasant Grove at 5 p.m. to carpool. RSVP to Cindy Feutz at 573-473-6316 or email cfeutz53@gmail.com.

Summer Recess

Kids For Jesus will meet through April 24 and then break for summer hiatus. A pool party at the ARC, 1701 W. Ash St. in Columbia, will wrap up the year on Wednesday, May 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. Dinner will be provided. For details, contact Stephanie Fohey at 573-253-0705 or email stephaniefohey@gmail.com.

Movie Night

Kid For Jesus and Limitless youth group will enjoy Movie Night on Wednesday, April 3, at Pleasant Grove. The two groups will see separate, age-appropriate movies; dinner is provided. Showtime is 6 p.m. for KFJ, 7 p.m. for Limitless.

Watch Party

Angie Raebel will host the April meeting of Sisters in Faith at Pleasant Grove on Monday, April 1, at 7 p.m. The group will watch episode 7 (“Invitations”) of season 1 of The Chosen followed by a discussion led by Margie Klepees. Margie reviews back lessons so everyone can catch up. For more information about Sisters in Faith, contact Margie at 816-465-0396 or email klepeesm@gmail.com.

UM General Conference Begins April 23

The 2020 General Conference of the United Methodist Church convenes in Charlotte, North Carolina, April 23 through May 3.

The General Conference comprises lay and clergy delegates from across the globe (including a delegation from Missouri although no one from Pleasant Grove is attending). It is the only body that can speak for the United Methodist Church. This group will begin by working in legislative committees that will bring proposals to the general body to be debated and voted on by the entire conference.

Why a 2020 Conference in 2024?

The United Methodist Book of Discipline (our doctrine and principles) states that the General Conference should meet at least every four years. Oddly enough, the only body that can cancel a General Conference is the General Conference. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented us from meeting, and it was postponed until 2022. By then, the world was only just beginning to reopen, and many delegates from other countries could not secure the necessary visas to travel in 2022. Therefore, the 2020 General Conference was moved to 2024.

Since we are on the topic, one of the topics up for discussion is what to do with the 2024 General Conference. By the end, we will know how the group will proceed. My prediction is that we will have the 2024 General Conference in 2026. There are many legislative petitions before this year’s General Conference, and I am unsure they will be able to get through everything.

The General Conference, in General

The General Conference is the United Methodist version of Congress, except we work in multiple languages. This requires a robust team of translators and a lot of grace. Every delegate is assigned to one of the 14 legislative committees. To speak broadly,

By PASTOR PAUL KLEPEES

the committees meet at the beginning of the General Conference to review, edit, and vote on legislation that will go before the entire body. This is important because nothing is actually decided until the conference is over, and even then, it is not set in stone. Early in the conference, it is not uncommon to read articles that say, “The United Methodist Church this is likely something written by someone who does not know how our denomination works. Once the committees have their docket of issues, the body will take up legislation and further refine and debate it. Even when something has been passed, it does not mean that it cannot be reconsidered. In short, nothing is decided until it is over.

Major Legislative Issues

More than 1,000 different petitions have been submitted for consideration by the conference, so it is difficult to know what will make the cut. Many will likely fall under these areas of legislation.

Regionalization: Today, across the global reaches of the United Methodist Church, different conferences in Africa, Europe and Asia can interpret and consider the administrative rules and procedures in the Book of Discipline (except sections on the church constitution, social principles, doctrine and beliefs) as it applies to their specific context. This contextual approach does NOT apply to United Methodist churches in the United States. This means that the rules governing my pension in America, for example, are voted on by the African delegates even though they cannot participate in the plan and have a different cultural approach to retirement. A move toward regionalization will allow United Methodists in North America the same freedom as other regions to customize their approach to ministry within their mission fields.

Review of Social Principles: In 2012, United Methodists began reviewing the church’s social principles. It is now time to finalize that work. This pro-

cess has been intensive. Listening sessions took place around the globe to learn what United Methodists thought of the social teachings and how they might be improved. Six international writing teams, assigned to the six sections of the Social Principles, worked on an original draft, which was made available to the church for comment. The submitted version under consideration this year reflects the work of the writing teams and the international feedback.

Clergy Pension and Church Budget: As another generation inches toward retirement age, it has become clear that the current retirement package is not sustainable. To ensure that we continue to provide for pastors, the conference will make changes for current active clergy below retirement age. The proposal will not affect current retirees but will move active clergy (like me) from a pension plan to more of a 401k plan.

Issues of Human Sexuality: As we have done in every General Conference since 1972, the United Methodist Church will openly debate matters of human sexuality, including our relationship with the LGBT community. More than 100 different proposals have been submitted for review by the General Conference. None would force Pleasant Grove to take a different stance than is current. Any doctrinal changes enacted this year would have to be ratified by each annual conference in 2025 before taking effect.

How This Plays in Hatton

This leads us to wonder how these would affect the Pleasant Grove family. First, we won’t likely know anything for a while. The Missouri Annual Conference, to which Pleasant Grove sends a delegate, must ratify any major General Conference decision. That being said, of the 100 proposals addressing human sexuality, none of them would require Pleasant Grove to do anything. All of the proposals push the decisions locally. This will allow each church to make the best decisions for themselves within their own context. So regardless of what you read in the press, on your social media or a church gossip channel, nothing is decided until it is decided.

More Information

For more information or to watch the livestream of the General Conference online, visit the webpage ResourceUMC.org/en/churchwide/general-conference-2020. Once the General Conference is over, I plan to make a video presentation to provide information to the Pleasant Grove family. At that time, we can discuss what was decided and how each decision affects Pleasant Grove. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me at any time. My email is pastor@mypgumc.org.

Please pray for God to move in the hearts of the 2020 General Conference in 2024.

UNITED METHODIST SOCIAL PRINCIPLES

The Social Principles are a prayerful and thoughtful effort of the General Conference to speak to the issues in the contemporary world from a sound biblical and theological foundation.

PREAMBLE

We affirm our unity in Jesus Christ while acknowledging differences in applying our faith in different cultural contexts as we live out the gospel.

THE NATURAL WORLD

All creation is the Lord’s, and we are responsible for the ways in which we use and abuse it.

THE NURTURING COMMUNITY

We believe we have a responsibility to innovate, sponsor, and evaluate new forms of community that will encourage development of the fullest potential in individuals.

THE SOCIAL COMMUNITY

We affirm all persons as equally valuable in the sight of God. We reject discrimination and assert the rights of minority groups to equal opportunities.

THE ECONOMIC COMMUNITY

We claim all economic systems to be under the judgment of God no less than other facets of the created order.

THE POLITICAL COMMUNITY

We hold governments responsible for the protection of people’s basic freedoms. We believe that neither church nor state should attempt to dominate the other.

THE WORLD COMMUNITY

God’s world is one world. We pledge ourselves to seek the meaning of the gospel in all issues that divide people and threaten the growth of world community.

Source: UMC.org/en/content/our-social-principles

He Is Risen

Celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ at Pleasant Grove

There was a lot to celebrate on Easter at Pleasant Grove. We welcomed new members into the church,

We celebrated three baptisms:

• Margaret Deering

Nine young people were confirmed:

• Isabella Borcherding

• Lane Kimbley

• Gibson Klepees

• Farrah Shryock

• Jude Shryock

• Adalynn Smith

• Callie Smith

• Henry Spradlin

• Gracelyn Stinson

The joyful end to the Lenten season, played out in simultaneous services in the sanctuary and the gym, followed a Holy Week like no other. Maundy Thursday featured a carry-in dinner with table discussions of Jesus’ model of service followed by family-style Communion. Worshippers on Good Friday heard the perspective of Peter as he looked back on his time with Christ and the events of that fateful day.

And then, it was Easter — ain’t no grave can hold the Son of God.

WHY DO YOU LOOK FOR THE LIVING AMONG THE DEAD? HE IS NOT HERE; HE HAS RISEN!

JOIN US THIS SPRING FOR NEW SERMON SERIES

April

May

Baby Grace Needs Your Help

Pleasant Grove’s Baby Grace ministry is in need of donations of gently used boys and girls clothing, size newborn to 5T. Both spring/summer and fall/winter clothes are needed. Donations may be left in the Food Pantry room off of the gym or you can let Cindy Feutz know. Gently used walkers, highchairs and Pack ’N Plays are always welcome, too. For donations other than clothes, please contact Cindy to make arrangements. Call 573-473-6316 or email cfeutz53@gmail.com. Started as an outreach to teen mothers, Baby Grace serves local families with young children from 20 sites around Missouri, providing monthly care packages, diapers, wipes, new or gently used clothing and other items for children younger than 5. The Pleasant Grove site launched last June as a relocation of the Baby Grace ministry at Court Street United Methodist Church in Fulton.

Distributions at Pleasant Grove take place on the third Thursday of each month, during the same hours as our SERVE food pantry, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointments outside of these hours are available by calling the church office at 573-387-4822.

Feed Our Youth

Wednesday night sessions of Kids For Jesus and Limitless youth group always include dinner. Volunteers may sign up online to help provide food this month at SignUpGenius.com/go/ 10C084AADA929A5FFC16-48506094kfjyouth.

Root Yourself in Radicle Methodism

No, that’s not a typo. Gardeners know that “radicle” refers to the foundational part of a plant. For those interested in getting to the root of Methodism, the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History offers an online history course that takes a deep dive into Methodist history. This free, four-part course covers the roots of Methodism — learn about the founders and the church’s growth as it branched out and bloomed across the centuries. Find out what it means to be a Methodist. Sign up for the course at UMHistoryHub.teachable.com.

BLESSINGS

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse … and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.

Join us in our mission to know Jesus Christ and make Him known. Your generosity enables us to help more and more people experience a life-changing relationship with Him. We are truly grateful for your donations and hope the convenience and simplicity of our ways of giving are helpful to you.

1. Try scanning our QR code.

2. To use mobile giving, download the “Church By Ministry One” app to your mobile device. Search for Pleasant Grove by entering the zip code 65231.

3. Online giving can be found at www.mypgumc.org/donate.

4. Text “GIVE” to 573-312-2909.

5. Cash and checks can be placed in the offering plates during worship services or mailed to the church office at 3686 State Road E, Auxvasse, MO 65231.

Consider becoming a recurring giver. Church statistics show that churches with high numbers of recurring givers experience the most growth.

If you need assistance or have questions about our digital giving methods, please reach out to Kayla O’Neal in the church office Monday through Thursday, by phone at 573-387-4822 or email admin@mypgumc.org.

MALACHI 3:10

PRAY WITH US

Let’s support and uplift each other through the power of prayer.

4Ways to Request Prayer

1. Submit your prayer requests through the PG App by tapping Contact and the Prayer tab. Fill out the brief form and submit.

2. On our website, MyPGUMC.org, click on the Prayer Request graphic on the home page or click on Prayer Concerns under the Stay Connected menu (MyPGUMC.org/stay-connected/prayer-concerns). Fill out the brief form and submit.

3. Contact the church office at 573-387-4822 or Pastor Paul Klepees at 816-752-3635.

4. Call the Prayer Tree at 573-386-2978, or email mfansler@hotmail.com.