Merciful God,

We are grateful for the resilience, innovation and determination our students, teachers, school staff, parents and administrators demonstrated and developed over the past year. We begin this new school year in prayer because we are anxious for our students to resume school in person, yet still be safe from COVID-19.

We pray for a better year; for a safe return to classrooms; for the health of students, teachers, and school staff; for school boards and administrators under pressure to make difficult decisions; and for parents exhausted by the uncertainty and constantly changing plans.

Help us, Holy God, to bear with one another in love as we face the new challenges this year will inevitably bring. We pray that our teachers banked enough summer renewal to face any new disruptions. We ask that the hard lessons students learned since the start of this pandemic will give them the confidence and courage to face whatever lies ahead. With confidence in your ability to do more than we ask or imagine, we pray that faith will deter fear and hope will bring new life.

Bless us, Holy God, in our efforts to protect and care for students so they can focus on their healthy development and their studies. Lead us all to health and healing.

In Christ’s name we pray,
Amen.

(Source: https://pres-outlook.org/2021/08/a-prayer-for-the-start-of-the-2021-school-year/)

Worship This Sunday

This Sunday we continue our message series “Mixtape.”  This week’s message is inspired by the song Say I Won’t, by Mercy Me.  Our scripture reading will be from Philippians chapter 4, verses 11 through 13.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” 

We will begin our service with the song How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin.  Our hymns for Sunday include: How Great Thou Art, and Standing on the Promises.  This week, our video hymn will be Say I Won’t, by Mercy Me.

COVID Updates

At our Administrative Board meeting last week, the board reviewed COVID conditions and our congregation’s practices and agreed to continue to encourage social distancing in worship by keeping half of the pews closed for the time being.  Even though the CDC has revised their recommendations for masking, suggesting all people should once again wear masks when indoors, we are not changing our masking requirement at this time.  Masks are still optional, but encouraged.  The Board is committed to continuing to monitor the latest COVID conditions and will discuss any further changes at upcoming meetings.

Announcements

A/V Upgrade Update – Our technology upgrade is complete.  We have installed new cameras, projectors, and supporting equipment.  Our internet service has been upgraded to a high-speed connection, which will now allow us to livestream our worship services each week.  Beginning this Sunday, August 22, we will be live-streaming our 10:20 worship service to our Facebook Page.  We will continue to post a recording of our message each week to our website by early Sunday afternoon.  We are excited to be able to extend our worship services in these ways. 

Collections for Missions – The Outreach Committee thanks you or your contributions to the LSE Middle School and Boonville High School Hygiene Packs.  We will be able to give each school 6 of these packs for use when they are needed. 

We now turn our attention to the Personal Hygiene Packs for the annual MO Festival of Sharing.  Below is a description of what is sought for each project.  If you’d prefer to donate cash, that would be great.  Each pack has an approximate value of $20.

Missouri Personal Hygiene Pack:

1 bottle lotion (10-16 oz.), 1 fluoride toothpaste (6 oz. or more), 1 toothbrush (in original package), 1 bath size bar of soap (in package), 1 bottle shampoo (12-16 oz.), 2 razors, 1 comb or brush, 1 deodorant, 1 washcloth, 1 hand towel (please place items in a 2 gallon zip lock bag)

Items or monetary donations for the Missouri Personal Hygiene Packs are requested to be returned by September 19.

Blood Drive – Thank you for your continued support of our Red Cross Blood Drives.  This past Monday we had 22 donors participate and a total of 23 units of blood were shared.  These donations can help nearly 70 people!  Thank you for your support of this important service to our community.

Thank You – To the Methodist Men for hosting a wonderful church wide picnic.  We had a wonderful turnout, great weather, delicious food (thank you Luke Haller), and a great time. 

Choir is Back! – Calling all musicians—the NMUMC Choir is returning this Fall! The choir is open to any musicians ages 12+ who are interested in singing or playing a musical instrument during worship. Practices will be held every other Wednesday evening beginning September 1, from 6-7 P.M. in the church sanctuary. You can sign up by clicking here. Sign up forms will also be placed in the church sanctuary. Please note if you play an instrument, we are happy to incorporate that gift, as well. Just let Sara Snyder or Leah  Gumbel know.

We’re looking forward to making some joyful noise together!!  Please remember when signing up for choir that the church’s current Covid-19 policy makes masks optional for those who are fully vaccinated. If you have any questions, contact Sara Snyder (417-343-1124) or Leah Gumbel.

Events this week:

Saturday, August 21: Kids Hope Meeting, 8:15 am, Fellowship Hall

Monday, August 23: First Day of School

TOPS, 9:00 am, Foundations Classroom

Al Anon, 7:00 pm, Church Lounge

Wednesday, August 25: Al Anon, Noon, Church Lounge

Friday, August 27: Al Anon, 7:00 pm, Church Lounge

Closing Words of Wisdom:

Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” — Malala Yousafzai