“What can I do?”

All week the news has been dominated by stories of the damage and destruction caused by Hurricane Ida.  If you’re like me, these stories can become overwhelming.  Sara and I watch the news and see the devastating pictures and ask questions like, “What can we do to help?” 

Typically, after natural disasters, I receive messages from our denominational leaders about the work the United Methodist Church is doing to help and ways we can join in that effort.  Today, I offer to you some of the information I have received.  If you’ve been looking ways to help, maybe this will provide you some direction.  I know I have appreciated seeing these opportunities. 

Blessings, Chris

Many of you have graciously asked how you can help our Louisiana neighbors in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. Scott Burdin, Missouri Disaster Response Coordinator, has been in close contact with Louisiana Conference leaders and will continue to keep the Conference updated on needs. Because of Missouri’s previous involvement in disaster clean-ups in Louisiana, Missouri has been personally invited to send a specialized response team. That team and equipment will be on the ground next week.

Please do not self-deploy unless asked. There are areas they have not yet been able to assess due to gas shortages but will do so as soon as possible. If you or your local church Disaster Response teams are interested in going to Louisiana, please contact Scott Burdin at sburdin@moumethodist.org. The long-term recovery response is expected to last weeks and months. Long-term recovery efforts are updated at: https://www.la-umc.org/hurricanehelp.

The best way for you and your church to immediately serve is by giving financially. Support the UMCOR disaster response by donating at https://umcmission.org/advance-project/901670 or giving directly to Louisiana at https://secure.anedot.com/la-conference-of-the-umc/relief.

Please take a few minutes to watch this video from Bishop Harvey. Thank you for being on call to serve as the hands of feet of Christ and demonstrating the very best of our UMC connection. https://www.facebook.com/louisianaconference/videos/243200500897014.

Following the flooding yesterday and anticipated today in New Jersey and New York, Burdin has been in contact with UMCOR and the depots regarding the inventory of flood buckets. As of right now, they are content with the current inventory. Missouri Conference will issue a call for collections when we have been notified of a need. There were reports of tornado activity following the hurricane’s aftermath but we have not been notified of severe damage at this time.

Worship This Sunday

This Sunday we continue our message series “Mixtape.”  This week’s message is inspired by the song Thank You Lord, by Chris Tomlin featuring Thomas Rhett and Florida Georgia Line.  Our scripture readings will be from Psalm 9, verses 1 and 2, and 1 Thessalonians chapter 5, verses 16 through 18.

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.  I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.

Psalm 9:1-2

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ…

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

We will begin our service with the song Thank You Lord by Chris Tomlin.  Our hymns for Sunday include: O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing, Blessed Be Your Name, and Great is Thy Faithfulness. 

COVID Updates

At our Administrative Board most recent meeting, 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 – Last week was our first successful livestream of worship.  Thank you to everyone for your patience as we continue to learn this technology and grow in our competency.  We will again live-stream our 10:20 worship service to our Facebook Page this week.  The stream will start approximately 10:25 or so, as we begin it after the opening video (for copyright purposes).  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. 

Baby Grace – We have been receiving lots of donations for Baby Grace, which is such a blessing.  It also means we have extra work to do when we “size and sort” the donations.  Each month Baby Grace holds a “size and sort” worktime on the second Thursday of the month beginning at 1:00 pm (in the Church Annex).  Any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

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.

Events this week:

Monday, September 6: Labor Day, Office Closed

Tuesday, September 7: Education Committee, 5:30 pm, Church Lounge

Wednesday, September 8: Al Anon, Noon, Church Lounge

Thursday, September 9: Baby Grace Size and Sort, 1:00 pm, Church Annex

Friday, September 10: Al Anon, 8:00 pm, Church Lounge

Saturday, September 11: Methodist Men, 8:30 am, Church Lounge & Hain House

Closing Words of Wisdom:

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” — Fred Rogers