FROM THE PASTOR…

“CONNECT WITH OTHERS AND GROW IN JESUS CHRIST”

Message from Kathy

Thank you for extending such a warm and supportive welcome during my first three weeks serving as interim pastor. I am enjoying the ongoing process of meeting members of the congregation and learning more about the many ministries that Smithville United Methodist Church provides in this community and beyond.

I am planning to be in the church office on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday mornings from 8:30 AM to noon and invite you to drop by or contact Ginger to arrange a time more convenient to your schedule. Additionally, I would appreciate your assistance in identifying persons who might appreciate a home visit. Please contact Ginger or me if you know of someone who is ill, otherwise confined to home, is new in the community, or has any other type of need that might be better served through a home visit. I have set aside Wednesday afternoons for on-going visitation, in addition to daily flexibility for emergency or urgent situations. I am thankful for the members of the congregation who already assist with our ministries of hospitality and visitation. Please contact Ginger or me if you are interested in volunteering to serve through these ministries and we’ll get you connected!

A large part of my life is attending meetings! Last Saturday I attended an all-day conference in Columbia that focused on providing a safe atmosphere for persons participating in our church activities. There are many dimensions to safety, and we will be using a Missouri Conference resource to review our current practices, especially the implementation of basic Safe Sanctuary guidelines. Currently we are in need of adult volunteers who are interested in participating in a youth ministry team to support our Junior High and Senior High activities.

It is an honor to serve this church, and I am excited to explore “all the places we will go,” as we seek prayerful guidance from God.

Blessings,

Pastor Kathy

Words from your Lay Leader - Sharon Fairlie

I have had my share of family and friends being hospitalized; some routine, some emergency situations. While in the waiting room, I read or watch television. After a while, I feel the need to walk around and when I do, I often find myself in the hospital gift shop.

I am not sure who the suppliers are for hospital gift shops, but the items there are so often very different than what you find in mall shops. Oh, the usual blue for boy, and pink for girl items are there as well as the toilet articles and food items and magazines.

But some things I have found have really impressed me, like now as I write, I am listening to a CD by Jim McDonough called “Simple Gifts”. This CD has fourteen old and new hymns McDonough plays on the piano. The gift shop had this CD playing when I was in there and I found myself humming along while it played. And I felt a peace come over my soul.

I am playing it now as I write and I feel that same peace. Do you listen to music to bring you closer to God? I listen as the song plays; concentrating on the words as I think of what many blessings God has given me in my life. Or I lift up a person to God in prayer as I center my thoughts through the music.

God finds many ways to inspire us no matter where we are. We just have to open our hearts, hear the music and pay attention.

Thank you to my loving church family, who supported me with their calls, cards and prayers. The food as always was delicious and very much appreciated!

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO Florence Holmes for her time and help during this healing process. May the good Lord bless you all! Ann Hannah-Carpenter

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Thank you to everyone that helped prepare and serve the meal at Grand Ave. Temple. We as a congregation really came together on the Mission project. We are very blessed and again thank you to everyone for all their help and support. Kerry Winans, Mission Committee Chair

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Dear Friends

This letter is a heartfelt “thank you” for all the prayers sent heavenward on my behalf this summer. The only possible explanation I have for me still being alive and healing so rapidly is the power of prayer.

I am grateful for all the love and support shown to my family during the dark days of June. I was unconscious during the month and I’m sure I will never know how much all of you did to help them.

I am sure I will never be able to pass along all that I received, but I am going to spend the rest of my days here on earth trying.

God Bless each and every one of you.

In Christian Love, James A. Lawley

2^nd Annual “Foursomes for the Future” Golf Tournament

The 2^nd Annual “Foursomes for the Future” golf tournament was a great success! Thirty golfers enjoyed playing a round on the Paradise Pointe “Outlaw” course in absolutely beautiful weather. Following lunch, hole prizes, flight prizes and the putting contest prize were awarded along with a significant number of door prizes. Everyone went home with something thanks to the generosity of our sponsors. Sponsoring this year’s event was: Mike Lee, Platinum Sponsor; Picture Perfect Lawn Care, Hole in One Sponsor; Steve & Lori Collins, Silver Sponsor; Big V Country Mart, Ken & Maribeth Lee, and Golden Living Center, Bronze Sponsors. The following individuals and corporations made donations for hole prizes, door prizes or provided other support: T-Bones Baseball, The Kansas City Royals; Ron & Bev McClellan, Ted McClellan, David & Beth Farrington, Edward Jones Investment, Kindred Chevrolet, Mary Van Horn, Smithville Taxi, Casey’s, Applebee’s, Cherrine’s Hair, Jean’s Flowers, The Steak Knife, H&R Block, Tyson Elevator, Missouri Western University, Terri Hoppis, The Kansas City Chiefs, Frankum Chiropractic, Inc., and Ken, Amy and Mackinsey Birlingmair.

We also want to thank all of volunteers who spent countless hours in support of this year’s tournament. Special thanks to Ken & Maribeth Lee, Bob Lee, Ron & Bev McClellan and Sarah Crutcher and her youth group. Everyone’s help and participation helped raise a significant amount of money to support our youth program! Thanks!

FESTIVAL OF SHARING

2010 MISSOURI KITS

Here is a list of the kits that we are hoping to collect for this year. Please place your items in the boxes that are along the west wall of the Great Room. To make things as simple as possible, we ask that if you bring a kit it should be complete. Please have your articles here by Sunday, October 10^th. The kits will be delivered on October 16^th.

PAPER PRODUCTS KIT BABY BUNDLE

8 double rolls of toilet tissue 2 receiving blankets

3 rolls of good quality paper towels 1 sweater or sweatshirt for warmth

2 large rectangular boxes of facial tissue 2 undershirts or onesies –

2 sleepers (1 piece or gown)

Place all items in a tall-sized kitchen trash bag. 6-12 diapers (cloth or disposable)

Close securely & place bagged kite in a box 2 diaper pins (if cloth diapers are enclosed)

labeled “Paper Products Kit”. Newborn to 6 months size

Place items in a 2-21/2 gallon zip lock bag.

FAMILY FOOD BOX STUDENT DENTAL KIT

6 cans assorted vegetables 4 soft child size & 2 adult toothbrushes

2 jars peanut butter unopened packages;

6 cans assorted fruits extra brushes are for family members

2 pounds dried pinto beans 1 dental floss – any size

2 cans spam 1 fluoride toothpaste, 6 oz. or more

2 pounds rice

6 cans tuna Place items inside a 1-gallon zip lock bag.

2 pounds pasta

6 packages macaroni & cheese

2 cans pasta sauce

Place items in a sturdy box.

KITCHEN CLEANING

We will be cleaning the kitchen on Thursday, October 14^th and need your help. Are you missing any of your dishes? Please check in the kitchen. We have a lot of dishes that do not belong to the church. If you have any questions please see Lu Darr or Winona Lee.

ART CLASS

The SUMC Art Group which meets weekly on Wednesday at 10:00 am at the church welcomes new members. You need not belong to the SUMC, and everyone is invited; either beginners or advanced artists. There is no charge.

   We have several art exhibits this fall. Look for our paintings at the Car Show on Sept. 25^th, which will be sold at a silent auction.   Also, we will exhibit at the Spaghetti Dinner and Pie Auction on October 24^th and at the Chile Fest on Nov. 2^nd.

   We have been invited to exhibit again in November at the Smithville Public Library. Please stop there and take a look at our show.

   For information, please call Martha Urquhart,   532-3772

7^th ANNUAL MIRIAM THOMPSON

PIE AUCTION/ FREE SPAGHETTI DINNER

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2010 AT 5:00 PM

Bake your favorite pie (or two) cobblers or cakes, cupcakes, etc. Bring your checkbook and buy a pie (or two). Eat a terrific spaghetti dinner prepared by our own U.M.M.

The first half of the pie auction will start at 5:00 p.m. followed by the spaghetti dinner (including salad, bread, tea & coffee). After dinner we’ll finish the pie auction and share our purchased pies!

We will need donations of French bread and bags of lettuce salad.

Bring the family and friends and plan to have a great time! If you have questions, please see or call Lee Hunold (866-4417/521-0895).

Greetings Everyone,

I hope this little note finds each of you enjoying the beginning of the season change. In addition to the change in the weather, you may have noticed several changes around the church campus. We have had several activities that have made additions to our current foot print. We have fielded several questions about some of the changes, and thus we felt it would be most beneficial to communicate some of the changes to the entire congregation.

First on the list, is the addition of the Pray/ Meditation Trail on the Northeast side of the church. The trail was completed by Nick Doolan, a Boy Scout from the troop sponsored by our church, as his Eagle Scott project. Nick did an excellent job, and I hope you take time to use the trail accessible from the North side of the parking lot.

Next, we were able to complete a playground structure in the park area, north of the church, to be used by all children when visiting the church. Several members of the church and the Smithville Kiwanis helped construct the swing set and slide tower. Our hope is that this area would encourage folks to come and enjoy the serenity of this peaceful place. We still need to make a few improvements to the area, but that hasn’t stopped several parents and children from utilizing the area. I encourage you to take a short journey and enjoy the space. We are going to be updating and repairing the picnic tables in the near future.

Another addition you may have noticed is the fenced in area on the south side of the church. This area was designated as a self-contained play area for our Small Steps Pre-School. The SUMC prepared a grant last spring to build a playground area specifically for our pre-school. The grant was awarded to the church in late spring and is for a 50/50 match of funds in the amount of $4000.00. The church has one year from the approval date to complete the entire project. Several have asked, “Why do we need two different playground areas for our church?” The answer is fairly simple:

1. The play area for the pre-school has to meet certain specific criteria, set by the state of Missouri, to qualify for state certification.

2. The play equipment must be “age appropriate” for the age of our pre-school students, and will be different than just a swing and slide combination. The play equipment will offer our students the chance to develop better psycho-motor skills and improve muscle growth.

3. The area needed to be located in close proximity to the classrooms and provide a safe, secure, environment for student development.

The Trustee’s felt that both areas complemented our church offerings very nicely. We will continue to move forward with the grant requirements during the next several months. Please be on the look-out for more improvements to the area. On an additional note, our Small Steps Pre-School is growing to full capacity. We think this is a great out-reach of our church.

Lastly, we have added an ice maker to the kitchen equipment. Except for the interruption of a “Boil Order” the ice machine has been working diligently. A thank you goes out to everyone who had a hand in completing this task.

In closing, I would like to point out that the Trustee’s Committee has created a new form to be filled out when making a “Request for Action” by the Trustee’s Committee. We will make sure this form is easily accessible to all our church family through the church office and/or the church website. The addition of this “Request for Action” form will ensure that ideas for change or maintenance to our church campus can be communicated clearly too all parties involved. In addition, a permanent record will remain in the Trustee’s meeting minutes to provide future committee members a reference. We feel this form will help reduce the potential for a breakdown in communication.

Thank you for intrusting us with our church property. God Bless!

Johnny Viebrock, Trustees Chair

SUMC Music Notes

“Making a Joyful Noise unto the Lord!”

Blessed are those who dwell in Your house & Your presence; they will be singing Your praises all the day long! Psalm 84:4

Our way of praising God is through music. If you are searching for a way to share your love for God, come and try out Chancel Choir, help out with the Christmas Program, help us lead songs on Sunday mornings, or volunteer to do special music. Please let Angie or Andrea know if you would like to participate in the music ministry at SUMC. God is good all the time! All the time God is good!

Christmas Program

The children of the will be presenting their Christmas Program on December 12, 2010 during worship. We will begin working on the program on Wednesday evenings starting in October. The 1^st rehearsal is on October 6^th from 6 to 6:45 pm in the choir room. All school age kids are invited to attend. Younger children will be invited to be in the program as well. They can begin coming to rehearsals in November. If you have any questions, please contact Angie Viebrock.

Adult Choir

The Chancel Choir is working very hard on several pieces to share during Worship! We are rehearsing on Wednesday nights from 7 to 8 p.m. We have a wonderful time each Wednesday and invite new members to join us at anytime during the year. We will begin working on our Christmas Cantata soon. All voices are encouraged to come and make a joyful noise with us! If you have any questions, please contact Angie Viebrock or Andrea Knutter.

We are always looking for people to provide special music for us. If you would like to share your talent with us or know of someone who would enjoy performing for us, please contact Angie Viebrock or Andrea Knutter.

Hope to hear you all singing in church!

God’s Blessings!

Angela Viebrock

Mark Your Calendar -- Monday, November 29 from 5 to 9 p.m.

The entire congregation is invited to the Hanging of the Green. Come help decorate the church for the Christmas season. Arrive anytime between 5 to 9 p.m., and stay as long as you can. Children are welcome to attend and to help. They can make decorations to adorn the children's tree; or just soak in the wonder as carols play and we deck the halls with boughs of greenery.

SUBMISSIONS FOR ADVENT JOURNEY BOOK

The church is now accepting submissions of original stories, poetry and artwork for inclusion in the Advent Journey Booklet. Your stories can be testimonials about your relationship with God, insights you have gained, favorite memories about Advent and Christmas, or your hopes for the future. The ideal length is from 1/2 to 1 page typed, but any length will be considered. Each story and poem will be matched with a Bible verse and prayer which you may choose if you'd like. The deadline for submissions is November 7, 2010. The SUMC Art Group will illustrate some of the stories so please submit early (by mid-October) to give sufficient time for artwork.

This year we will need 40 stories or poems to make a complete book for a daily reading from November 28 to January 6. That covers all of the days of Advent and Christmas. Advent is a preparation time, a preparation for the coming of Christ. On the church calendar, the length of Advent varies from year to year to be 22 to 28 days. It starts on the Sunday nearest St. Andrew's Day (November 30), includes the next 3 Sundays, and ends on Christmas Day (so basically, count back 4 Sundays before December 25). Then the Christmas season is the 12 days after Christmas, from December 26 to January 6, which marks Epiphany or Three Kings Day. So don't be swayed by the stores putting up Christmas decorations and presents by Halloween, that is just marketing. We have 40 days to enjoy Advent and Christmas, from November 28 to January 6, and we need your story or poem to help point our thoughts in the right direction.