FROM THE PASTOR…

PASTOR KATHY’S REFLECTIONS

Winter is here! January brought days of frigid weather with snow accumulations resulting in the cancellation of various activities. Yet in the midst of the challenging weather, other wonders of nature prevailed: the fascinating migration of geese noisily filled the winter skies and the red hues of cardinals painted the white backdrops of glistening snow. What will February bring?

At Smithville United Methodist Church, February enters with a sense of anticipation and excitement as new opportunities and ministries are ready to be launched after weeks of preparation by the respective church committees. Here are some examples:

· On February 1^st Debbie Shoaf begins a new position: Coordinator of Youth Ministries. This position is based on a model of planning and implementing youth ministry that is utilized extensively throughout the United Methodist Church. Debbie’s new job responsibilities will focus on coordinating Sunday evening youth activities, mission activities, and expanding education and service opportunities for youth. In this new position, Debbie will be establishing a "Youth Council" leadership team comprised of youth and adult representatives who will meet on a monthly basis to plan, evaluate and support the youth program and activities of SUMC.

· On Sunday, February 6, a new “Transitions” Sunday school class begins for high school students graduating in May 2011 and very recent high school graduates. We are thrilled to announce that the teachers for this class are Scott and Shannon Windmeyer. The class will be held in the Pastor’s study.

· On Sunday morning, February 6, SUMC is hosting a book signing event for our own George Urquhart, author in residence! George will be selling and signing his recent book, "Reasons to Believe", after the morning worship service. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the church.

· The Outreach Committee is hosting a Welcoming Brunch at 9:00 AM on Sunday, February 27 for recent visitors or persons wishing to explore joining Smithville United Methodist Church. Sharon Fairlie (Lay Leader), members of the Outreach Committee and I will meet with persons in the Senior High Room. A Welcoming Brunch for visitors will be hosted the fourth Sunday of every month at 9:00 AM.

· Results from the Time and Talent Survey launched January 30^th as part of our JANUARY CELEBRATION SUNDAY activities will continue to be utilized to enhance and grow the ministries of SUMC.

These are exciting days for SUMC, as new chapters of God’s story-our story-continue to unfold ...

Blessings this and every day,

Pastor Kathy

Words from your Lay Leader – Sharon Fairlie

What a month this has been; first a homeless man is given a chance to turn his life around and then the tragedy in Tuscan, the flooding in Australia and more recently, the weather here in Missouri. It is no wonder some of us want to just close our eyes and ears to it all.

The weather we cannot control but we can control how we treat and what we say to others. Just think about it. What we are doing or saying could affect those we don’t even know who might be listening or watching us at this moment.

In my numerous trips to the grocery store, I see a lot of people. On one trip, I happened down an aisle where two couples were engaged in conversation. It is a public place and their voices were of a normal tone, so I could overhear what was being said. As I passed through the group, one of the gentlemen said, “If it were me, I would have bombed the whole place”. Granted I was not part of the entire conversation, but just those words gave me pause. I wanted to stop and ask if he really meant what he said, but I was just another person in the store, not part of their conversation, and a stranger to them. I did not say anything as I passed them in the aisle but my thoughts were running rapid.

In a recent Upper Room article, the author wrote about how an individual’s life was affected by a gift of a Bible to her from someone she did not know. She wanted to thank that person for his gift some fifty years later. It had changed her life.

A sign we have hanging on a wall in our church states, “We are the only Bible some people know”. That is what being a Christian is about: being an example to lead others to Christ. It is an awesome responsibility but we have the love of God to lead us on! Our God who loves us unconditionally!

I would like to thank Pastor Kathy and Sharon Fairlie for the nice visit and The Youth Group for the Christmas Breakfast they served at the housing authority. The Tuesday morning study group for all the wonderful cards they send out. The church carolers for the wonderful music they sang at my door even though the outside light would not work, but is working now. I really enjoyed your singing.

God Bless Everyone,

Barb Kravec

All high school seniors and recent high school graduates are invited to attend the new "Transitions" Sunday school class beginning on Sunday, February 6th. The teachers will be Scott and Shannon Windmeyer, and they will help the class members explore a variety of transitions common to young adults. The class will meet in the Pastor's study.

USHERS NEEDED

We are in need of 4 ushers for the month of February. It can be individuals, families, husband and wife, etc. You would be responsible for ushering the whole month of February. If you have any questions please contact Ron Hill at 532-0131 or by email at msrkhill@kc.rr.com.

"REASONS TO BELIEVE"

There will be a book signing for George Urquhart's new book, "Reasons to Believe" on Sunday, February 6th after church. All proceeds will be donated to the church.

Small Steps Preschool will be having a fundraiser coming in the near future. They are raising money for a playground that meets state standards and will be on the south side of the building.

SCOUT SUNDAY

Our church will celebrate scouting during Scout Sunday service on February 13, 2011. All girl scouts, cub scouts, boy scouts, and adult leaders are invited to wear their uniforms and attend our church that day. Scouts will have an integral part in the worship service.

WELCOMING BRUNCH

Recent Visitors to SUMC and anyone wishing to explore joining SUMC are invited to a Welcoming Brunch at 9:00 am on Sunday, February 27th. The brunch is sponsored by the Outreach Committee and will offer a time of fellowship with Pastor Kathy, Sharon Fairlie (Lay Leader), and members of the Outreach Committee. We will meet in the Senior High Room. For more information, call the church office or contact Beth Lyman.

Could it be?? 6 more weeks of winter? It's not that I dislike all of God's wonderful seasons, but if I had to pick my favorite it would be spring. Everything becomes new!!

Thanks to the Youth group for the wonderful Celebration Sunday Worship Service on January 30th. Together we make a difference at SUMC.

In February we will be making Valentines and taking them to the Smithville Nursing Homes as we have in the past years. Smiles go along way with people who live in assisted living an alone most of the time.

The new Youth Council will be formed soon. More information to come!

Thanks to Neal Shanks for bringing his cousin Levi. Please bring friends to Youth group to share in our activities. My hope is that we need more space to hold our meetings!!! Let's see who can bring at least one friend and continue bringing them for a month.

Debbie Shoaf

Youth Ministry Coordinator

THANK YOU

I would like to thank everyone who made the Numana a success. We had over 800 volunteers and we were able to package over 120,000 meals. It was really awesome to start the day with a wonderful breakfast made by the Men's Group. Thank you again to Greg and Jan Robinson, Ron and Bev McClellan, Chick and Martha Koslowsky, Carol Mewmaw, Roxie Curtis, Jim, Beth and Thomas Lyman, Karen Streiff, Charlene and Matthew Gager, Lee Hunold and Pastor Kathy Harmon for giving you time to pack meals We all had a great time and we cannot wait until the next Numana event.

Kerry Winans, Mission Committee Chair

We would like to thank the Small Steps Preschool for collecting can goods and non-perishable food. It was a great effort the help with people in need. We pack several boxes for the local food bank and thank Karen Streiff for delivering the boxes of food for us.