What a Heart is Beating For

posted : 07-02-09 by Susan

Dear followers of Christ,

In 2007, Christian songwriter, Chris Rice put out an album entitled, What a Heart is Beating For.  In the song of the same name, Rice challenges his listeners to reflect on the reason for their existence.  In this song, he suggests that we are made for relationships with each other and with God.  We need to remember the reason God created us, suggests Rice,  and take the risk to love God and others even though we might experience pain in the process.  I’ve been thinking about the words of his song over the last year as I have struggled to keep up with the demands of the work of a superintendent.  The end result is that my busy life has left me feeling worn out and drained.  I have come to see that part of the reason is that I have forgotten what my heart is beating for.  I needed to be reminded of the words of St. Augustine who wrote, “Thou hast made us for thyself O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find rest in thee.”  In order to find that rest again in my life, I will be taking a renewal leave this summer as allowed for in The Book of Discipline. 

In Paragraph 425 of The 2008 United Methodist Book of Discipline, we read that a district superintendent may, “take up to three months leave from his or her normal superintendent responsibilities for purposes of reflection, study, and self-renewal once during his or her term as superintendent.”  My leave will run from July 1 through August 15.  I will be using my leave to simplify my life and remove some of the clutter that has accumulated across seventeen years of ministry. Some of my time will be spent at a retreat center in Missouri, some will be spent in reading and some will be spent visiting with family back home.  I hope to return to work with a clearer vision of how God would like United Methodists in the Southwest District to live out the Conference vision of “Growing fruitful, vibrant congregations, changing lives through Jesus Christ.

While I am away from the office, my staff and I are making provisions for the work of the office to go on.  One of my colleagues on the cabinet will handle any matters of substance.  My staff will field your questions and assist you in the ongoing work of your congregations.  If you have any needs or concerns, please call the district office at 417-623-2382. Our summer office hours are Monday –Thursday: 9:00 am through 2 pm.  We are closed on Fridays.

Looking over the last six months, I realize how essential it is that I take this renewal leave.  In doing so, I will be taking to heart the advice the apostle Paul gave to his colleague, Timothy, reminding him to, “rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands;”  My hope and prayer is that my time away from the office will not only renew my spirit and provide for some needed rest ,but will also grant me new insight into the vision God has laid upon the all of us in the Southwest District  to lead people to actively follow Jesus Christ.

Blessings,

Sandy Nenadal

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All Faith UMC takes the Plunge

posted: 01-12-10 by Rebecca

On Sunday, January 10, 2010 eleven youth and the senior pastor from All Faith United Methodist Church, located on State Highway 86 in Eagle Rock, took a polar bear plunge into Table Rock Lake in Eagle Rock. The purpose of this frigid dip was inspired by the senior high youth who wanted to help in the fundraising for a new church bus. They came up with the idea while discussing how they could help raise the money since they will be using the bus the most for their various mission trips and outings. Pastor Robb agreed to jump as well if the youth met and exceeded their plunge goal. Once the youth announced Robb’s challenge, their goal was quickly met and exceeded. At the time of the plunge the temperature was only 23 degrees. The Eagle Rock/Golden/Mano Fire Department volunteered to be on hand in case there might be any problems. Pastor Robb stated, “I am so proud of our Senior High Youth and all that they do. This was a very creative and COLD way to raise money. These kids do such wonderful things in the name of Christ and work so hard on the mission trips without ever complaining. This plunge showed their commitment and love for the church and God.” Following the plunge everyone went back to the church and enjoyed a soup and salad lunch to help warm up.

Check Out Mission In Site

posted: 11-07-09 by Rebecca

Mission In site is a resource tool available for all churches to gain information on demagraphics in your area.  Visit  www.MissionInsite.com and check it out.  Once you get there follow these instructions to register.

HOW TO REGISTER:

On the main page click on “Local Church”.  In the drop down box, click on “Church Registration”.

Many churches are granted access under a regional or national body agreement with MissionInsite. If your church is one of those, this page will tell you how to register as a user for your church. If you are uncertain if your agency has an agreement with MissionInsite see the Client list page.

If you are looking to order a demographic report, click here and you will be taken to the Demographics page which explains our available products.

Step 1: Obtain your agency account number. If you have it, proceed to Step 2. If not, call your regional agency to obtain the code. Then proceed to Step 2.
Step 2: Click on this link. It will take you to the registration wizard. Complete the wizard.
Step 3: Authenticate email address. MissionInsite must have an authentic email address to activate the system. You will be sent an email with a link and instructions to confirm your email. When confirmed, your registration is complete.
Step 4: Return to www.missioninsite.com and login with the username and password you provided in the registration process.

For assistance, please call 877.230.3212, ext 329 or email misupport@missioninsite.com.

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Small Church Leadership Institute

posted: 11-07-09 by Rebecca

Licensing School for 2010 will be held May 23-29, 2010 at Central Methodist University in Fayette, MO.  The deadline to register will be Monday, April 26.  For more information contact: Rev. Richard Northcutt at First UMC 300 E. Washington St. Kirksville, MO 63501. Phone: 660-665-7712 (church)

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Church Marketing Help

posted: 11-07-09 by Rebecca

Help with Church Marketing United Methodist Communications has resources to help churches reach out to their communities. Developing a marketing plan is the best way to start. For more information, go to www.umcom.org/churchmarketingplan.

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Grants Available for Impact Community Events

posted: 11-07-09 by Rebecca

Grants Available for Impact Community Events Beginning 2010, United Methodist Communications’ Rethink Church initiative will offer partnership grants for media and marketing to United Methodist districts, conferences and clustered churches who will engage with their community in outreach ministries events.

The event day will reflect an opportunity for training specific to welcoming the community, a service project that meets the needs of the community and is sustainable and a worship/celebration component. Media services, planning, estimates and placement, are still available at no cost to all our congregations by calling toll free 877-281-6535 or emailing us at ImpactCommunity@umcom.org. For more information go to www.tinyurl.com/umcomimpactgrant.

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2010 Mission Trips

posted: 11-07-09 by Rebecca

Start planning for next summer now, because we have 11 mission trips scheduled. To register decide on a trip, mail the registration in with a deposit check for $200 (non refundable), payable to “Missouri Conference UMC.” Once your registration is received you will be given more details, forms, directions and information.

Be sure to register early, this year each week has a limit. The cost includes all food, lodging, project materials, activities, t-shirt and supplemental insurance. Each group is responsible to get to the location. Once there, each group will provide their own transportation to the work sites each day. If bringing a large bus, plan to rent a van or car while at the mission camp.

• Mission trip brochure
• June 13-18: Sikeston
• June 13-18: Kennett
• June 20-25: Memphis
• June 27-July 2: New Orleans
• July 5-10:Jeff City/Columbia
• July 11-16: Cherokee Nation
• July 18-23: Cherokee Nation
• July 25-30: Colorado (camping)- This location/date is now FULL, Registration CLOSED 
• July 25-30: Colorado (church)   - This location/date is now FULL,  Registration CLOSED
• August 1-6: Colorado (camping)
• August 1-6: Colorado (church)

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