News From The Pleasant Grove Pews - May 2024

Pleasant Grove

May Days

It’s a merry month in Hatton as we roll through spring and look toward summer with all the special times that await.

Pastor Paul Klepees is excited to explore the tenets of our faith this month and how it relates to the Apostles’ Creed. He offers a sneak peek at his May sermon series, called “Believe,” on page 2.

The routine changes this month for many activities at Pleasant Grove. Check the calendar on page 5 before you head out to any events.

Continuing our series on Administrative Board members, you’ll get to know Vice Chair Laura Stinson and Board Secretary Nancy Linville this month. Read all about them on page 7.

NextGen Minister Kris O’Neal is striving to follow the advice of John Wesley, who urged Christians to “do all the good you can.” Sometimes that’s a tall order, he says, but we have to do our best. Read his perspective on page 9.

Also on page 9, you’ll find an update on the Baby Grace ministry and how you can help as we Fill The Cart with

diapers and baby wipes this month.

We have so much news to report this month that we filled two pages with announcements. Check out the latest on pages 11 and 12.

Find out what some of our quilters have been up to on pages 14-15, and then enjoy scenes from the On The Road Again trip to the German village of Hermann on page 18.

Pleasant Grove’s second annual trip to Branson was a big hit with the fifth graders who were celebrating their step up to Limitless youth group. We captured the fun in photos on pages 20-22.

Opportunities for outreach keep us striving to know Jesus Christ and make Him known. See what’s on tap to learn and share on page 25.

And as always, dear reader, News from the Pews is your Pleasant Grove 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!

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.

News from the Pleasant Grove Pews is published monthly by Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church. ©2024 All rights reserved.

THE PASTOR’S PEACE

Exploring the Foundation of Our Faith

By Pastor Paul Klepees

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of activity and lose sight of the foundational beliefs that anchor our faith. That’s why I’m thrilled to introduce our upcoming series, “Believe,” where we’ll delve into the core tenets of our faith using the lens of the historical Apostle’s Creed.

Tracing Our Faith Heritage

The core tenets of our faith aren’t just abstract concepts; they form the very fabric of our relationship with God. From the Old Testament through the teachings of Jesus and into the New Testament, we see a consistent thread of belief woven throughout Scripture. Yet throughout history, the church has grappled with finding simple words to express these profound truths, leading to the development of creeds such as the Apostles’ Creed.

Unpacking the Essentials

In this series, we’ll embark on a journey to unpack these essential beliefs, starting with the foundational understanding of God, the Father. Drawing from Acts 17:22-28 and Genesis 1:1-2, we’ll explore the nature of God as the creator and ruler of all existence, deserving of our complete worship and devotion. Moving forward, we’ll dive into the person of Jesus Christ, His Son, as revealed in Luke 1:26-38 and John 3:16-

FOR IN HIM WE LIVE AND MOVE AND HAVE OUR BEING.

ACTS 17:28

21. Jesus isn’t just a historical figure or a wise teacher — He is God in the flesh, calling us to radical sacrifice and unwavering faith.

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.

Next, we’ll explore the Holy Spirit, God’s presence on earth, as outlined in John 16:5-15. The Holy Spirit, along with the Father and the Son, comprises the Trinity, and in our lives, we must rely on His work as our Helper and Guide.

We’ll follow with an examination of the concept of the Church, as described in Acts 2:41-47. What is the Church? Is it holy? Why “catholic”? These questions will lead us to a deeper understanding of our identity as members of God’s family, impacting every aspect of our daily lives.

We will round out our conversation with a discussion of the “communion of saints.” How should we be best honor those who have gone before us and what is the role they play in the church today?

Join the Journey

I invite you to join us on this journey of exploration and discovery as we delve into the heart of our faith. Let’s grow together, deepen our understanding, and strengthen our commitment to the beliefs that define us as followers of Christ.

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day He rose from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

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

EVENTSOF CALENDAR

9 A.M. & 11 A.M.

10:10 A.M.

YOUTH BIBLE STUDY

6:30-8:30 P.M.

YOUTH BIBLE STUDY

6:30-8:30 P.M.

9

10:10 A.M.

YOUTH BIBLE STUDY

6:30-8:30 P.M.

SISTERS IN FAITH (TERRY GILMORE’S HOUSE)

Getting to Know the PGUMC Board: LAURA STINSON

Administrative Board Vice Chair Laura Stinson has worshipped at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church her entire life. A native of Callaway County, she attended North Callaway schools and graduated from William Woods University. She spent 13 years as a special education teacher in Fulton Public Schools — at McIntire Elementary and Fulton Middle School. Now a real estate agent with The Milestone Group in Columbia, Laura and her 12-year-old daughter, Gracelyn, live in the Hatton area. At Pleasant Grove she has taught in the Kids For Jesus program and helps lead Limitless youth group. A member of the Communications Team, she also manages Pleasant Grove’s Facebook and Instagram social media accounts.

As vice chair, Laura steps in to run board meetings when the chairman is absent. She is a voting member

Getting to Know the PGUMC Board:

whose three-year term runs through 2025. Since joining the board last year, Laura says she has witnessed a more streamlined process take effect when members have ideas, questions or concerns. “The communication across different committees is more fluid and has helped more people use their gifts within the church and community,” she says.

Laura would like the board to make even more progress this year to extend Pleasant Grove’s outreach. She is working with others to enhance the Sunday School program and has high hopes that a new men’s ministry will form. “We are seeking ideas and volunteers,” she says.

“Everyone on the board has a mindset that we are there for one purpose: to help others know Jesus Christ and to make Him known. When that’s the focus for all, it’s easy to get things accomplished!”

NANCY LINVILLE

Administrative Board Secretary Nancy Linville arrived at Pleasant Grove with her family in June 1999. She has been active in the church ever since. Since 2003, Nancy has served as secretary to the church board, a nonvoting, appointed position. “I just document the meetings,” she says.

Nancy’s name is one of the most recognizable to Pleasant Grove folks, as she pops into email inboxes every week with updates and reminders of happenings at the church. “I started the Announcement/ Information Tree during 2004,” she recalls, “and con-

tinue to send communications to interested members.” If you’d like to join the email list, drop Nancy a line at nalinville. church@gmail.com.

In addition to her work on the Communications Team, Nancy is on the Hospitality Committee, serving as greeter for the early service since 2007, opening the church on Sunday mornings and making coffee for both stations prior to the church service. She also leads the weekly Thursday night women’s Bible study.

Originally from Higginsville, Missouri, Nancy lives just south of Stephens. She

and her son, Jeff, own and operate a vending machine business in mid-Missouri. The Linville family circle also includes son Mike, daughter-inlaw Melissa, and grandchildren Caroline and Gideon.

In the years Nancy has served on the church board, she has seen significant growth at Pleasant Grove, especially in the last six years. “The building of the Sunday School addition was important,” she notes, “and the creation of our internet presence during the COVID-19 pandemic was key. It allowed us to continue to worship.”

SERVE&BA�Y �RA(f

rlcasantGroveisa,nobilc siteforSERVEfood pantryand BabyGrace.

Thursday, May16th,11-2 pm

(We are open every third Thursday of the month.)

Ifyou are inneedofa food boxfrom SERVE, pleasestop by� Youcan register thatdayand participate inthe food pantry.

The BabyGracestore offersfree diapers,wipesand gently used ornewclothingforages birth through 5years.

COMMUNITY LUNCH

The Discipleship Sunday School classinvites you to join us for a homemade meal. Stay foragameof cards,dominoes,or bringasuggestion!

Thursday,May16th,12noon

FILL THE CART

Pleasant Grove folks will Fill The Cart in May with diapers and baby wipes to benefit our Baby Grace ministry, a support program that helps provide basic necessities and resources to families with young children.

Pleasant Grove launched its Baby Grace ministry in June 2023. In this first year, Baby Grace has received 14 local applications, serving an average of about 10 moms per month, says Cindy Feutz, Baby Grace coordinator. Clients receive diapers, wipes and five clothing outfits each month. New clients also receive a handmade baby quilt from Country Friends Quilt Group or a set of hand-knit baby blanket, hat and slippers made by anonymous donors.

When available, Baby Grace also offers gently used high chairs, Pack ’n Plays, walkers, strollers, breast pumps and other provisions (but no car seats as they often are outdated). Formula also may be available soon. Expectant mothers can join Baby Grace when they begin their third trimester. Supplies are distributed to eligible families on the third Thursday of every month, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the church basement.

For more information, contact Cindy Feutz at 573-473-6316 or email cfeutz53@gmail.com.

N EXT G EN NOTES

Do Your Best, With Love

by NextGen Minister Kris O’Neal

“Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the souls you can, in every place you can, at all the times you can, with all the zeal you can, as long as ever you can.”

This is one of the most famous quotes from John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church. As we went through the sermon series called “Field of Dreams,” I thought back about dreams I have had and talked to the kids about their dreams for the future. It is interesting to think back on how our dreams have evolved and are still evolving.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Some time ago, I realized that all I ever want to be is the best Christian I can be for Him! Whatever that looks like, I am open to it. For now, it looks like following these words from John Wesley and trying as hard as I can to do good in every way for every person in every setting, every time! When Jesus was asked what the most important commandment was, He listed two: love God, and love your neighbor!

What is love? Patience, kindness and truth without envy, pride or evil. Do all the good you can. This simple direction will help you leave a situation better than you found it. This applies to everyone you interact with. If you are not doing good, you are causing harm and that is not love for your neighbor.

Sometimes what we think is helpful can be harmful, but God has grace and we are allowed to learn from our mistakes. Intent is what matters most. James 4:17 tells us, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”

St. Louis poet Maya Angelou had similar advice: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

As Christians, we know that Jesus wants us to love God and love our neighbor. Do your best! Always.

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

BABY LOVE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Celebrating Our Graduates

Pleasant Grove will honor its 2024 graduates of pre-K, kindergarten, middle school, high school and college on Sunday, May 19. Please submit names of graduates to Kayla O’Neal at admin@ mypgumc.org by May 6. Include graduate’s name, school, grade, a picture and future plans.

District Laity Gathers at PGUMC

Pleasant Grove will host a North Central District laity meet-and-greet on Thursday, May 23, with District Superintendent Mi Hyeon Lee. Churches from the Fulton/Mexico area hub are invited. The gathering begins at 6 p.m. and is open to anyone in the church who registers for the event. A light meal will be served. Register at Missouri-reg. brtapp.com/2024SpringLaityDSMeetingsHUBS2971.

UMC General Conference

The quadrennial General Conference of the United Methodist Church continues in Charlotte, North Carolina, through Friday, May 3. Follow along with the proceedings via livestream at ResourceUMC.org/en/churchwide/generalconference-2020. Pastor Paul Klepees plans to issue an update on the General Conference to the Pleasant Grove congregation in mid-May.

Missouri Annual Conference

The 2024 Missouri Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church takes place June 7-9 at the St. Charles Convention Center. Bennie Young is Pleasant Grove’s delegate.

For more information, visit the website at MOACinfo.com. The conference agenda is available there, as are downloads of various reports, proposals and resolutions.

On the Road Again for Lake Fun

Pleasant Grove’s traveling adventurers will head to Lake of the Ozarks on Tuesday, June 4. The On the Road Again group will meet at 8:30 a.m. in the Kingdom City Hall parking lot to carpool. They’ll meet up with Ed and Jan Hankinson at the Bagnell Dam Visitors Center for a tour of the historical museum and Willmore Lodge. After lunch, take a ride in the Hankinsons’ boat or fish off their dock — or maybe just sit on the deck of the condo and enjoy the lake view. The group will cap the day with a stop at Randy’s for frozen custard on the way back.

For more information, contact Jan Hankinson at 573-999-2139 or email janhankinson@gmail.com.

Girls’ Night Out

All women are invited to the 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 573-4736316 or email cfeutz53@ gmail.com.

Finding Joy

Terry Gilmore will host Sisters in Faith in her home at 2875 County Road 240 on Monday, May 6. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. and will include a discussion of “Joy: Finding Yours at Any Age.” For more information, contact Margie Klepees at 816-465-0396 or email klepeesm@gmail.com.

pews FROM MORE NEWS THE

CELEBRATE BAPTISM

Callie Smith was baptized at Pleasant Grove on April 7. Welcome to the Body of Christ!

TIME TO PLAY

Pleasant Grove’s weekly youth programs — Kids For Jesus, Limitless and Youth Bible Study — will recess for summer this month. Here’s a rundown of the last hurrahs for the 2023-24 program year.

Pool Party

Kids For Jesus will wrap up the year with a pool party at the ARC, 1701 W. Ash St. in Columbia, on Wednesday, May 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. Dinner will be provided. For more information, contact Stephanie Fohey at 573-253-0705 or email stephaniefohey@gmail.com.

Limitless Lock-In

Limitless youth group will enjoy a lock-in on May 31 at the ARC, 1701 W. Ash St. in Columbia.

Gear up for a good time with friends, food and fun. Get the details from NextGen minister Kris O’Neal at 417-718-4772 or email nextgen@mypgumc.org.

Anchor Fest Outing

A fun afternoon for middle school and high school youth is in the offing for Sunday, June 2, with a trip to Anchor Fest in Centralia. The group will meet at 1 p.m. for a quick lunch at the church. Limitless leaders will provide

transportation to Anchor Fest in Centralia. While there, kids can use their own spending money to buy snacks, beverages and enjoy the carnival rides. Highlight of the day is a free Christian concert on the fairgrounds featuring singer Brooke Robertson, plus the band We Are Vessel. Plans are to return to the church by 5 p.m. Find out more from NextGen Minister Kris O’Neal at 417-718-4772 or email nextgen@mypgumc.org.

moms DO YOU NEED DIAPERS?

Pleasant Grove Church in Hatton wants to help. That is why we joined the Baby Grace Ministry.

What we offer:

Gently used or new clothing for newborn to 5 years old Diapers Baby Wipes

Other items, as available: Strollers Highchairs Car Seats Shampoo/Body Wash

We are located at 3686 State Road E Auxvasse, MO 65231 Come to our church ever y 3rd Thursday each month

11 A.M. - 2 P.M. or schedule an appointment by calling 573-387-4822.

The talented seamstresses of Pleasant Grove created a one-of-a-kind gift of friendship for Methodists in the Mozambique Conference last month. Using fabric from Mozambican capulanas (a type of sarong), the Stitchers of Joy crafted Americana friendship star quilt blocks on a neutral American background fabric and fashioned a unique quilt celebrating the two conferences’ covenant of the last 30 years. The front of the quilt features the friendship star pattern; the back depicts scenes and maps of Africa, accented by the rich capulana fabric.

The sewing circle — Margaret Fansler, Sandy Montgomery, Terry Pope, Linda Nordwald and Becky Stevens — presented the quilt to Rev . Kim Jenne, Missouri Conference director of connectional ministries, at the April 14 service. Bishop Bob Farr gave the quilt to the Mozambique delegation at General Conference to pass on to Bishop Joaquina Filipe Nhanala, who was unable to make the trip to North Carolina.

The Stitchers of Joy have enough capulana fabric left to make a second quilt, which they will donate to the Festival of Sharing quilt auction in November with proceeds going to Church World Service. Bids open Nov. 3.

Stitchers of Joy reach out to Mozambique Methodists with a breathtaking work of art.

WEDNESDAY, May8th

6:00-6:30 Fellowship 6:30-8:00 Devotion

GEM

The On The Road Again gang motored over to Hermann on April 15 for a look at Missouri’s German heritage at Deutschheim State Historic Site. They capped off their cultural experience with lunch at Hermann Wurst Haus. Wunderbar!

WE PROCLAIM TO YOU WHAT WE HAVE SEEN AND HEARD, SO THAT YOU ALSO MAY HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH US. AND OUR FELLOWSHIP IS WITH THE FATHER AND WITH HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST.

Pleasant Grove’s fifth graders celebrated their graduation from Kids For Jesus and their entry into Limitless with a trip to Branson in April. The kids — and their chaperones — indulged in a pizza party, swimming pool hijinks, go-karts, hiking and other adventures. The weekend featured a trip to Sight & Sound Theatre to see the live stage production of Queen Esther. The venture garnered rave reviews from everyone. 1 JOHN 1:3

The PG App

May

Vacation Schedule

Pastor Paul Klepees will be out for several weeks in June, as he first travels to Missouri Annual Conference in St. Charles June 7-9 and then enjoys a few weeks of vacation. In his absence, several guest speakers will fill the pulpit. The schedule is not yet complete; check our June issue for more information.

June 9: Kris O’Neal

June 16: TBA

June 23: Cindy Feutz

June 30: TBA

Pastor Paul will return to the pulpit July 7.

Countdown to Camp

UNITE, the United Methodist summer youth camp, will take place July 22-26 on the campus of Central Methodist University in Fayette. Sponsored by Missouri Conference NextGen Ministries, UNITE is for students entering sixth grade to seniors graduating high school.

Some of the electives on tap at this year’s camp include sessions on the power of giving thanks, the story of creation through the eyes of a sea turtle, life-saving skills, marine biology, basic car maintenance, cell phone photography, songwriting, praise band workshop, choir techniques, drawing, a gallery scavenger hunt, crocheting prayers, agilities career skills assessment, posthigh school planning and understanding your call.

Pleasant Grove youth may attend the camp for free — Women’s Ministries scholarships and successful fundraisers have provided funds for all camp fees this year. Find out more from NextGen Minister Kris O’Neal at nextgen@mypgumc.org.

Wrap Up Summer with VBS

Vacation Bible School is scheduled for Aug. 9-11 this year at Pleasant Grove. Open to children 3 years old through fifth grade, the VBS theme this year is Camp Firelight. Each weekend session will include a meal along with lessons, crafts, games and music. Times are set for:

•Friday, Aug. 9: 6 to 8 p.m.

•Saturday, Aug. 10: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

•Sunday, Aug. 11: Noon to 3 p.m.

For more information about Vacation Bible School, contact Margie Klepees at 816-465-0396 or Brooke Dennison at 573-881-2525.

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

WORSHIP TIMES

First Service 9:00-1O:OOam

Sunday School 10:10-10:50am

(Children's Choir10:40-10:50am)

Second Service 11:OD-Noon