FROM THE PASTOR…

“CONNECT WITH OTHERS AND GROW IN JESUS CHRIST”

Words from your Lay Leader - Sharon Fairlie

I just finished reading Adam Hamilton’s book,” Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White”. I highly recommend it. As you know, Hamilton is a great thinker; he seeks truths to all sides of an issue, and then tries to apply Biblical teachings in order to make a rational decision. He freely admits that what he might think today may be changed tomorrow because something may come to light he did not see before.

As I read more about Adam Hamilton, the person, the pastor, the Christian, I realize he has set disciplines for himself that could be a model for us all.

Here is part of what he has written on his blog in response to the question, Am I becoming more progressive through the years?

I hope so! I started out as a fundamentalist Pentecostal! My friends thought I had backslid just by joining the United Methodist Church – most of them would not have believed you were really a Christian! Here’s what I know: Each passing year my aim is to know him, to follow him and to serve him with all of my heart and life. I take seriously the study of scripture, devote myself to prayer, I am in a small group, I read a lot, I worship, I give away 22% of my income, I go on at least one international mission trip each year and seek to serve in mission to the poor here in Kansas City. The more I study and learn, the less conservative I am on a lot of issues, and the more conservative I am on others. When it comes to the faith as captured in the creeds, I am conservative. When it comes to condemning others to hell, I have a great deal of trust in the justice, mercy and love of God. I also know this: the more I know and grow the more I realize I don’t know.

As Rev. Timlick pointed out to us last Sunday, saying we are Christian involves more than just the title, it is being a Believer and a Disciple as well. It is Trusting in God, it is Teaching ourselves and our children and it is sharing our Testimony with others. How are you doing??

Smithville UMC: Thank you for your kind cards, gifts, and prayers over the past few weeks. We also thank you for your support and friendship over these last 3 years. There have been some bumps in the road but there have also been many mountain top experiences that we have all been able to experience together.

Much Love & Hope Court

Small Steps Preschool

Parent Information Night

Tuesday, August 3^rd, 6:30 pm

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Family Fun Day

Sunday, August 29^th, 4-6 pm

Fun & games, ice cream social and more!

Children’s Sunday School will resume in September!

Marjorie Atkins turns 90 on

August 8^th

Please join us for a

birthday celebration

on Sunday, August 8^th, 2-4 pm

here at SUMC

Casual dress

Please no gifts!

Summary of Income and Expense Totals for June, 2010

For the six-month period from January to June, giving has decreased compared to last year as the following table shows:

		*2009*		*2010*
Total Income and Revenue		187,560.04		147,606.72
Less:
Grant and Dist Support	30,013.02
Youth Pastor Acct	3,387.38
Preschool Revenue			17,503.00
Total Non-Giving		33,400.40		17,503.00

Net Giving		154,159.64		130,103.72

Net giving is down slightly over $24,000 for the first half of this year compared to the same period last year. Expenses were also higher in 2010, although half of the 2009 grant funds were held over to 2010 to pay salary expenses. The result has been a strong negative cash flow, resulting in a reduction of the bank account by $29,437.12 from December 31, 2009 to June 30, 2010. As of June 30, the effective bank balance was slightly over $7,300 which represents about a quarter of the average monthly expenditures for the first half of 2010.

The 2010 N.U.M.B. ride was a great success! 150 riders (from several states) raised over $50,000.00 to combat world hunger. Those of you who contributed are, in part, responsible for that terrific amount. Thank you so much! The weather was perfect (80’s in the day & 60’s at night) very little wind and no rain. The Methodist churches (Hastings, Central City, Seward & Geneva) who hosted us were great. They fed us supper each night & breakfast the next morning, and it was all delicious! (I was proud to be a Methodist!)

Thanks again for your support and prayers. Peace, Lee Hunold

Vacation starting Monday, Aug. 23^rd and returning to work on Tuesday, Sept. 7^th

The Art Class meets every Wednesday at 10:00 am at the church. Members need not belong to the church, and there is no fee. Beginners, as well as advanced students are encouraged to join us. If you are a beginner, we will help you get started, and if you are advanced, we'll help you improve.

We have several exhibits during the year, including the car show in September and one scheduled for the Smithville Library in November.

For information, please call Martha Urquhart, 532-3772.

New office hours starting Sept. 1^st

8:00 am to 1:00 pm

FREE SCHOOLS WORLD LITERCY FILM

An update on our film: there are two parts. The first is the 5-7 minute trailer and the second is the hour long film.

The 5-7 minute film is nearing completion and I'll be creating focus groups to view the film for suggestions. This church actively supports a Free School in Patna, Bihar India. The children are learning so much and the education they are receiving is changing not just their life, but the life of their parents. If you would like to participate in a focus group, which is designed to receive comments from you regarding feelings the film evokes, how it affects you, where the film is strong, the music, etc. and any other comments on the film, please email me at solonia@juno.com or call me at 816-716-0330. Thank you so much everyone, for your support of these beautiful children.

Smithville United Methodist Church will host health screenings that could save your life. SUMC is pleased to offer preventive health screening in collaboration with Life Line Screening. The screenings are offered on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 and test for stoke risk, vascular disease, and bone density. Call 1-888-653-6441, or visit www.lifelinescreening.com for more information and to pre-register.