NEWS FROM FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, KIRKSVILLE
Website - www.gbgm-umc.org/firstkirksville
DEVOTION FROM REV. JIM
I would like to pass this interesting and special story on to you in
this space this week:
THE BIRTH OF THE SONG "PRECIOUS LORD"
Back in 1932, I was 32 years old and a fairly new husband. My wife,
Nettie and I were living in a little apartment on Chicago's Southside. One hot
August afternoon I had to go to St. Louis, where I was to be the
featured soloist at a large revival meeting. I didn't want to go. Nettie was in
the last month of pregnancy with our first child. But a lot of people were expecting me in St. Louis. I kissed Nettie good-bye, clattered downstairs
to our Model A and, in a fresh Lake Michigan breeze, chugged out of Chicago on Route 66.
However, outside the city, I discovered that in my anxiety at leaving, I had forgotten my music case. I wheeled around and headed back. I found Nettie sleeping peacefully. I hesitated by her bed; something was strongly telling me
to stay. But eager to get on my way, and not wanting to disturb Nettie, I
shrugged off the feeling and quietly slipped out of the room with my music.
The next night, in the steaming St. Louis heat, the crowd called on me
to sing again and again. When I finally sat down, a messenger boy ran up
with a Western Union telegram. I ripped open the envelope. Pasted on the
yellow sheet were the words: YOUR WIFE JUST DIED.
People were happily singing and clapping around me, but I could hardly
keep from crying out. I rushed to a phone and called home. All I
could hear on the other end was "Nettie is dead. Nettie is dead."
When I got back, I learned that Nettie had given birth to a boy. I
swung between grief and joy. Yet that night, the baby died. I buried Nettie
and our little boy together, in the same casket. Then I fell apart. For
days I closeted myself. I felt that God had done me an injustice. I didn't
want to serve Him any more or write gospel songs. I just wanted to go
back to that jazz world I once knew so well. But then, as I hunched alone in
that dark apartment those first sad days, I thought back to the afternoon I
went to St. Louis. Something kept telling me to stay with Nettie. Was that
something God? Oh, if I had paid more attention to Him that day, I
would have stayed and been with Nettie when she died.
From that moment on I vowed to listen more closely to Him. But
still I was lost in grief. Everyone was kind to me, especially a friend,
Professor Fry, who seemed to know what I needed. On the following Saturday
evening he took me up to Malone's Poro College, a neighborhood music school. It was quiet; the late evening sun crept through the curtained windows. I sat down at the piano, and my hands began to browse over the keys. Something
happened to me then. I felt at peace. I felt as though I could reach out
and touch God. I found myself playing a melody, once into my head they
just seemed to fall into place:
Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand!
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn,
Through the storm, through the night lead me on to the light,
Take my hand, precious Lord, Lead me home.
The Lord gave me these words and melody, He also healed my spirit.
I learned that when we are in our deepest grief, when we feel farthest
from God, this is when He is closest, and when we are most open to His
restoring power. And so I go on living for God willingly and joyfully, until
that day comes when He will take me and gently lead me home.
Tommy Dorsey
Did you know that Tommy Dorsey wrote this song? I surely didn't.
What a wonderful story of how God CAN heal the brokenhearted!
Beautiful, isn't it?
Love in Christ,
Rev. Jim
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO REV. JIM!
June 29th was Rev. Jim's birthday. To say thank you to him we took a special offering the month of June and extended this to July 15th. Our church is one of many across the nation that supports Strength for Service, a devotional book written for those in the service of others. More than 250,000 copies of this life-changing book have already been distributed overseas, but hundreds of thousands more are need for those currently serving stateside or abroad. Your donations will make a difference in the lives of our military men and women, our American heroes.
Since Annual Conference, there is another project which Rev. Jim would like us to support. This is "Nothing But Nets." The United Methodist Church is partnering with the NBA, Sports Illustrated, and the Gates Foundation to sponsor this program which is seeking to eradicate the problem of malaria by providing mosquito nets to people who cannot possibly afford them and who live in places where malaria takes the lives of many people, largely children every day. TEN DOLLARS to purchase a net will save a life for another person. Please indicate on your check which project you want to support or whether you want your donation divided evenly. There is a wooden house in the Narthex where you can put your donations or you may mail it to the church. We would like to have these collected by Sunday, July 15th.
TOTALS SO FAR: Books - $ 634.00
Nets $1,187.00
TOTAL $1,821.00
AVALANCHE RANCH VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!
VBS Program Wednesday at 11:40 a.m. in Sanctuary
There will be a report later about this special time.
FOOD 4 KIDS
We thank everyone who has volunteered to help with this special project once again. This began on Monday, July 2nd. We are excited that we have 4 parks and the Novinger School that will be handing out the lunches to those who come to the designated areas. If you haven’t had a chance to sign up to help with this project, please contact Beverly Kitts or leave a message for her in the church office as there is always need for substitutes in case of some volunteer needing to be gone. Contact me if you can help with the loading or unloading and I will give you the schedule. THANKS SO MUCH!
Denise Comstock, Director
Arts in the Park will follow Food 4 Kids from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday at PC Mills, on Tuesday and Thursday at Brashear Park, on Wednesday at JC Park, and Friday at Memorial Park. Arts in the Park will have three teachers instructing in the areas of Art, Music, and Theater. Abby Detweiler Collins teaches Art, Ashley Lara teaches Theatre and Jennifer Thomas teaches Music. All children in the area are encouraged to participate.
FOOD 4 KIDS INFORMATIONAL MEETING
There will be a do's and don'ts informational meeting for all Food 4 Kids Volunteers on Thursday, July 12th, at the First United Methodist Church, 300 E. Washington Street. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. There will also be a basic food-handling course taught by the Health Dept. at this meeting. The meeting should be over no later than 9 PM. Childcare will be available upon request. Please RSVP to Denise Comstock by noon on July 9th, at 665-1373.
THE FOOD 4 KIDS served 494 last week
This week they served 155 on Monday and 146 on Tuesday.
NEW STAFF POSITION
College Age Level Ministry Coordinator – This person will help First Church program for and participate with, college age persons in our church and community. (Pick up application in office—visit with Rev. Jim if you are interested and/or have questions).
SIGN UP TODAY FOR NEXT SESSION OF TRINITY BIBLE STUDY - September 12th - November 14th - Sign up sheets will be on church office window soon or talk with Rev. Jim.
JOYS
Welcome to New Members, B.J. and Kaela Pumroy who joined the church on July 1st. Their son, Kinnick, was baptized on that day.
Congratulations to Pam Tiff and Jeff Chitwood who were married in the Sanctuary on Saturday, July 7, with Rev. Jim officiating. Pam is the daughter of Ed and Sharon Tiff. Jeff is the son of Joe and Diane Chitwood. They will live in New Franklin, Mo.
INVITATION TO WEDDING: Michael and Marcia McManis invite members of the congregation to the wedding of their daughter, Kristen, to Tim Ricker, on Saturday, July 14th, at 3:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary of First United Methodist Church. Tim is the son of Brian and Mary Ricker of St. Peters, Mo.
Dear Friends of First UMC,
Thank you so much for the many recipes that you gave us at our Reception held here at the church in June. Also, thanks to all of you who came and helped us celebrate our marriage.
May God Bless You!
Abby and Matthew Collins
Thanks to everyone who brought dental kits or supplies for the kits. Thanks to Alma Noyes for coordinating this mission project!
CONCERNS
Arnie Preussner, Noble Redmon, Harold & May Willis, Rex Meneely, Bob Stroeber, Helen Jo Larson, Thelma Spainhower
Those who are family members and/or friends of the church
David Shoush (Pat); Wayne Willis, Loyd Welte's son-Terry, Doris Thompson's granddaughter, Inga Pickett; , Loretta McClanahan, Jamey Morton's mother, R.L. Redmon's sister, Rusty Wilson's mother (rec. from car wreck), Harold Hanley, Raymond Buchanan's nephew, Verle & Ada Kins' daughter-in-law, Marsha Redmon's mother, Bina James,
World and National Issues (Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan)
All men and women serving our country- Ryan Decker (U.S.) Rex and Janice Meneely's grandson, Trent Kull, Jeremy Truitt, Dean and Amy Rosbery's grandson, Jay (all in Iraq) Ron & Marylyn Hargadine and Rhonda Hargadine (Michael Head, grandson and son going back to Iraq)
Prayers for those on the Youth Mission Trip: Ian Clark, Emily Harrison, Melinda Harrison, Xavier O'Brien, Andrea O'Brien, Chuck Heckert, Chuck's dad, Amy Schweizer, Amy's mom, and Michele Mitchell
SUNDAY AT FIRST
8:15 a.m. Acolytes - Brooks Templeton & Russell Clark
8:15 a.m. Liturgist - Ben Graves
8:15 a.m. Ushers - Pete & Sally Detweiler and Dick & Denise Comstock
8:15 a.m. Greeters - Barb Bevell & Joyce Lara
10:45 a.m. Acolytes - Jonathan Self & Aaron Ockenfels
10:45 a.m. Liturgist - Heidi Templeton
10:45 a.m. Ushers - Ken McGuire, Jim Nevins, Rick Fleschner, Eldon Coy, and Vern Playle
10:45 a.m. Greeters - Beverly Moore & Janet K. Snyder
Sound System Technicians 8:15 a.m.- Thomas Redmon 10:45 a.m. Max Bevell
Communion Steward - Ginny Schneider
Transportation - Wayne Bevell
Childcare Staff - Lisa McLain, Coordinator, Angie Danielson, Chrissie Treasure, Kara Beck, Jenni Bevell, and Paige Mundhenke
CALENDAR FOR FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, KIRKSVILLE
Wednesday, July 11th
9-noon VBS
11:40 a.m. VBS program
Thursday, July 12th
9:00 a.m. Line Dancing
5:00 p.m. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)
6:30 p.m. Food 4 Kids Informational Meeting
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts
Friday, July 13th
5:00 p.m. Wedding Rehearsal-McManis/Ricker
8:00 p.m. A.A.
Saturday, July 14th
9:30 a.m. Saturday Morning Bible Study at home of Janet Head
3:00 p.m. Wedding of Kristen McManis and Tim Ricker
Youth will return from Mission Trip
Sunday, July 15th
8:15 a.m. Morning Worship, Nursery Provided
9:20 a.m. Chapel Communion
9:30 a.m. Sunday School, Nursery Provided
10:45 a.m. Morning Worship, Nursery Provided
Monday, July 16th
8:00 a.m. Rev. Jim gives Opening Invocation at beginning of Fair
12 noon - 1 p.m. Food 4 Kids at parks (M-F)
Arts in Park follows
12 noon United Methodist Men at Ponderosa
8:00 p.m. A.A.
Tuesday, July 17th
9:00 a.m. Line Dancing
5:30 p.m. City Council Prayer
Wednesday, July 18th
6:30 p.m. "Hands of Friendship" Quilt Guild
Thursday, July 19th
9:00 a.m. Line Dancing
5:00 p.m. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts
Friday, July 20th
6:00 p.m. Wedding Rehearsal-Henness/Westhoff
8:00 p.m. A.A.
Saturday, July 21st
5:00 p.m. Lexey Henness and Glen Westhoff wedding
Sunday, July 22nd
8:15 a.m. Morning Worship, Nursery Provided
9:20 a.m. Chapel Communion
9:30 a.m. Sunday School, Chancel Choir, Nursery Provided
10:45 a.m. Morning Worship, Nursery Provided
3:00 p.m. Youth lead service at Kirksville Manor Care Center
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
LIVE B.i.G. Hear, See, and Live Your Belief in God - We have a curriculum with video for the Kingdom Builders - Children will learn how much God loves them and learn to love Jesus. DON'T LET YOUR CHILD/REN MISS THIS! Sunday School at 9:30 a.m.
MOM'S MORNING OUT will be on Wednesday, July 25th, from 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
SUMMER MUSIC CAMP IS July 30-August 3
If you have signed up please pick up your CD at the church so you can start practicing today! We are going to have a "fishy" time this year!
HORIZON YOUTH
9:30-10:30 a.m. Sunday School for Sr. High and Mid High every Sunday.
We will not have Youth Night this summer. Watch for information about small trips and activities.
Four youth and six adults are gone on a trip to the Red Bird Mission in Kentucky. They will return the evening of the 14th.
Youth will be holding the worship service for the Kirksville Manor Care Center on Sunday, July 22nd.
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
Saturday Morning Bible Study will meet on Saturday, July 14th, at 9:30 a.m. at the home of Janet Head.
UPCOMING MEETINGS AND GROUPS
50+ LUNCHEON WILL NOT BE HELD THIS MONTH!
Thursday, July 28th - Nurture and Education Meeting at 5:00 p.m.
UNITED METHODIST MEN
The next meeting will be held on Monday, July 16th, at 12 noon at the Ponderosa Restaurant. Irl Chandler will talk to the group about the Missouri Re-entry program
BACK TO SCHOOL
It seems like summer is just underway and I need to talk to you about a Fall project.
The 17th annual Back to School Project will be coming up on August 1st. Again this year it will be held from 11 am to 2 pm at the Primary school here in Kirksville. This is our opportunity to help ease the burden of back to school costs for those on very limited incomes or difficult situations. This project is open to any child in Adair county that is in kindergarten through the 12th grade and in need.
If you would like to help with this wonderful local mission you may do so by:
1. praying for the success of this project and for all the children that will be returning to school this Fall.
2. Monetary donation to help purchase school supplies. (100% goes to purchase supplies. Indicate Back to School project on your check and make it out to 1UMC.)
3. If you choose to purchase supplies and bring them to the church, there will be a large shopping basket in the Narthex for your purchases. All purchases need to be at the church by the 22nd of July. Here are some of the items we need:
wide ruled notebook paper
wide ruled spiral bound notebooks
wooden pencils (no pop a point)
cap erasers
2" erasers
double pocket portfolios
black or blue ink pens
red ink pens
1 1/2" 3 ring binders
12 count colored pencils
glue sticks
4 oz school glue
24 count crayon box
cigar size plastic school box Denise Comstock, Coordinator
Denise Comstock, Coordinator
"Forever Plaid"
This musical performed by the Curtain Call Theatre will be presented on July 19-22nd at the Kirksville Arts Association Center at 117 S. Franklin. Times are probably 7 or 7:30 p.m. on July 19-21. There will be a showing on Sunday, July 22nd at 2:00 p.m. You may purchase your tickets from Edna Campbell Bookstore or at the Kirksville Arts Association. Our own Rich McKinney is the accompanist for the musical. Watch for signs about the cost of the tickets.
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