WORSHIP & PROGRAMS
Rise & Shine
Sunday Mornings - 10:15 a.m.
Join us in the Parlor for fellowship, coffee, and light snacks.
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Summer Bible Study
For the past several years, an evening summer Bible study for women has been offered. This summer, we are combining the summer study with the adult Sunday school study.
Beginning June 1 at 9:30 am, men and women are invited to learn about 12 Daring Women of the Bible. You may bring your own Bible or use one from the sanctuary as we study the lives of the following:
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1. Shulamite Woman
2. Deborah
3. Proverbs 31 Woman
4. Ruth
5. Puah and Shiprah
6. Esther
7. Priscilla
8. Mary and Martha
9. Bent Woman
10. Woman with the issue of Blood
11. Elizabeth
12. Anna
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Together we will become acquainted (or reacquainted) with each of these women. As we read and discuss how their lives and faith apply to modern day struggles, we will find a connection bridging the ages. May we be drawn nearer to God, finding contentment in a world filled with trials.
We hope you will jin those who have been attending the adult Sunday school time, either as an active participant or to listen in on God's word and our discussions.
Great Plains Disaster Assistance Response Fund Needs Donations
Sunday night, May 18, tornadoes left a destructive path in the Kansas counties of Gove, Kiowa, Stafford, Pratt and Reno. While some homes were damaged and can be repaired, there are many homes that were destroyed. Early Response Teams (ERTs) responded directly to Gove County and worked in Grinnell for the week. The Great Plains Disaster REsponse Ministry was represented in Reno County's Multi Agency Resource Center offering financial aid to homeowners.
Over the upcoming weeks, I anticipate that we will receive financial assistance requests from all of the impacted counties. Each application for assistance is checked out with homeowner and the business doing the repairs or rebuilding. Our conference Disaster Team practices great stewardship with your donated financial gifts to our fund.
Following tornadoes, hailstorms and straight-line wind events in 2024, our conference Disaster Response Fund took a huge hit with a record number of assistance requests. Far more than $200,000 in assistance grants were awarded last year to deserving homeowners who could not afford their repairs. With a record number of requests for assistance (159) in 2024, our Disaster REsponse Assistance Fund is at an all-time low. With another month and a half of targeted severe weather in the Great Plains Conference boundaries, our current fund balance is $42,981.59. This amount will hinder the number of individuals and/or families that the Great Plains Conference will be able to assist in their time of need.
I invite you and your local church to help us make a difference in these communities by giving online at
https://www.greatplainsumc.org/page/
donate/great-plains-disaster-fund or by submitting a check payable to the Great Plains Conference. Write 975 on the memo line and mail to the conference office at PO Box 4187 Topeka KS 66604. Together we can make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of these communities, our state, the nation and the world.
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Responding Together,
Rev. Hollie Tapley
Conference Disaster Response Coordinator
Nursery for Sunday Mornings
During worship, we have a special time for our young disciples.
We love the sound of infants and small children worshiping among us. We have a hall tree full of activity bags to help keep your little worshiper engaged. If you prefer, we also offer a fully-staffed nursery from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings (for infants through kindergarten-age children).
Your Generosity Changes Lives
Peace with Justice Sunday, June 15
On Sunday, June 15, we celebrate Peace with Justice Sunday, a special Sunday when United Methodists around the world unite in prayer, reflection and giving. This offering supports peace building programs that address the root causes of conflict.
We encourage you to consider how your gift can help bring life as God envisions: one of peace, justice and reconciliiation.
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Prayer for Peace with Justice Sunday
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"From self-righteousness that will not compromise and from selfishness that gains by the oppression of others, O Lord, deliver us.
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From the lust for money or power that drives us to kill, O Lord, deliver us.
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From trusting in the weapons of war, and mistrusting the councils of peace, O Lord, deliver us.
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From hearing, believing and speaking lies about other nations and peoples, O Lord, deliver us.
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From suspicions and fears that stand in the way of reconciliation, O Lord, deliver us.
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From words and deeds that encourage discord, prejudice and hatred; from everything that prevents us from fulfilling your promise of peace, O Lord, deliver us. Amen"
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The United Methodist Book of Worship, UM Publ. House, Nashville, TN, 1992, #428.
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Food Pantry: A Friendly Reminder
When you shop at Cecil K's, ask them to scan a donation for the Jackson County Ministerial Alliance New Hope Food Pantry. You can choose between $5, $10, and $20 amounts and have it added to your total bill. These funds help the pantry fill empty slots, as needed. Thank you!!
In May, the food pantry served 91 households: 146 adults, 51 children, 36 seniors and 8 new families.
Want to make a donation? New Hope Food Pantry Director, Darla Hedrick, says they always need the following items:​ canned meats, powdered milk, evaporated milk, spaghetti sauce, potato flakes, Spaghetti O's, ravioli, brownie and cake mixes, canned fruit, fruit juice, peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, can openers, toliet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and personal hygiene products.
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Thank you for supporting our community!
Pastor's Note
Psalm 121 is one of my favorites: "I lift up my eyes to the hills - from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth" (vs 1-2).
There is no greater loving power than God our Creator, who is not distant, but draws near to each of us. "He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber" (vs. 3).
God is so near he keeps us from stumbling! No worries about being left alone. God doesn't need rest, but watches over us day and night! "The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore" (vs. 8).
Yes, I am sad to leave as I know you are ready to take significant steps toward a healthier church structure and disciple making ministries. But as I prepare to give my church keys to Pastor Dawn, I know our church leaders have hearts grounded in Jesus' love and grace. They are dedicated to this congregation and Christ's Church. And I know Pastor Dawn is ready to be a part of the Holy Spirit-inspired work you are engaging! So we trust God's timing in this transition.
Paul and I are SO grateful God allowed us to come into this congregation and know, as we go out from here, God will continue to guide and keep us all!
Love you!
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Pastor Stephanie and Paul