creates spaces where people can have authentic encounters with Christ, discover their Spiritual gifts. and use them for God’s glory
Thursday, August 7, 2025
Tonight, Thursday, August 7th at 7:00 p.m. is the third in the series of Feline Movies. Come and enjoy the movie, a brief discussion afterwards and, of course, what would a movie be without popcorn.
Nancy Clark's memorial service will be Saturday August 16 at 11:00.
The LGBTQ+ Faith Alliance holds a free Service of Hope & Healing from 4 to 5:15 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 10 in Webster Groves, Missouri, at First Congregational UCC Church (Memorial Hall). The afternoon for LGBTQ+ students and the people who love them includes an interfaith service of music, meditation, readings and ritual, and an opportunity to engage in expressive community building.RSVP by Aug. 8, 2025. Refreshments and a back-to-school gift bag for students are included. Please contact the LGBTQ+ Faith Alliance for more informationat lgbtfaithalliance@aol.com
The LGBTQ+ Faith Alliance, which convened in July 2024, is an inclusive coalition of straight allies & LGBTQIA2S+ people from various faith communities and supportive organizations in the greater St. Louis Area.
Note from Pastor Andy
Our movie this week for “Maplewood at the Movies” is a light-hearted Disney classic, “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey.” It will be an obvious contrast from our first two films, which were much “heavier” in their feel.
We’ll watch the 1993 version of the story, which was a remake of the 1963 original that was titled simply, “The Incredible Journey.” Since our theme for the summer is “Feline Films,” you know of course that one of the movies central characters is a cat, in this case a spoiled Persian named Sassy.
The story is a study in perseverance. Sassy and her two dog companions embark on a journey through the wilderness to get back to their home. It is a classic “hero’s quest” plot line, in which our three protagonists face obstacles and opposition all along their way, and have to overcome them all together in order to arrive at their destination.
The book of Hebrews, chapter 12, encourages us to “run with perseverance the race that is set before us.” Often our spiritual lives are compared to a journey; “faith journey” is a common term to describe one’s relationship with God over the course of one’s life. There are times of progress, of smooth sailing, and times of setback and challenge. All a part of the journey.
Hebrews 12 emphasizes the value of community to our journey. We are “surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,” who are supporting, encouraging, and holding us accountable to the path ahead. In “Homeward Bound,” Sassy and her friends have each other. And also their family who is searching for them and the forest rangers who eventually find them. They are able to persevere because of the community around them, just as we are.
So we will watch a fun movie this week, a typically Disney film complete with talking animals and a happy ending! I hope you’ll come and enjoy the movie Thursday evening at 7:00, and be in worship next Sunday at 11:00 as we talk about how the support of community makes it possible for us to persevere on our “incredible journey.”
I’ll see y’all in church!
Pastor Andy
Join Pastor Andy every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. for the "Thursday thought for the day" on the church's Facebook page. If you can't join live you can always pick it up later./
Here is an opportunity to be in ministry with another United Methodist Church. Pastor Andy announced on Sunday morning that the recent flooding in Elsberry, MO has damaged the Centennial UMC. If you are called to participate, place your check
in the offering plate (or give on-line) and mark it FLOOD
On Thursday nights, August 7, and August 14, all are welcome to the Fellowship Hall of Maplewood United Methodist Church for a free movie screening. Movies will start at 7:00 pm, and there will be a brief discussion following, for those interested. All four movies feature cats, so we’re calling the series “Feline Films.”
Each week, the movie shown on Thursday will provide the spiritual basis for the following Sunday’s sermon. You don’t necessarily have to have seen the movie in order to get something from the service, however. This series is a fun way to paws in the middle of the week, gather together and grow in faith. It is also a really easy opportunity to invite someone to church with you! “Make it Maplewood!”
Coming in August
Adult Sunday School News
After studying a classic book the last few weeks called Celebration of Discipline, by Richard Foster, the Adult Class has decided to delve deeper into the spiritual disciplines. On Sunday, August 10th we will dive into a book edited by Foster called Devotional ClassicsClick for the book link. We will be meeting just behind the Sanctuary in the Conference room, and we have lots of chairs and a nice long table. If you need a book please email Steve Wall-Smith at stephen.wallsmith@gmail.com. You are always welcome to pop in whether you have read the book or only come on occasion. Our class is lively and casual and ALL are welcome. You are invited!
Rally Sunday, August 17th
9:45 a.m. Rally Sunday: Join us for Sunday School. We will have fun activities for the children and youth. Don’t forget to wear your MUMC tie dye t-shirt.
11:00 a.m.
Back to School Blessing: All children and youth are invited to join us for worship on Sunday, August 17th to receive a back to school blessing and a surprise for their bookbag. Teachers and school staff will be part of the Back to School Blessing also.
Bits and Pieces
Join our Children’s Ministry
We are looking for people interested in joining our Children's Ministry on Sundays at 9:45 a.m. This would entail leading activities and following our Sunday School curriculum, also helping in the Sunday School classroom and engaging and playing with the children. If you are interested in helping please email Brittany.l@maplewoodumc.org.
Note: this would not have to be an every Sunday commitment; you could choose to share once or twice a month.
Looking for a way to help with Worship?
Please join our Hospitality Team as a greeter! We are looking for people to greet people as they enter and to pass out Bulletins. If this is a job you might be interested in please click on the link below to get more information and to sign up. Please email Brittany Link at brittany.l@maplewoodumc.orgor call the church office with any questions.
Thank you God for the blessings of two babies born this week.
Congratulations to Kunce and Ward family on David and Sarah’s arrival of Kallie Jean on August 4th.
Congratulations to Charlotte and Dave Phelps becoming grandparents for the first time. Their daughter Monica, and Dennis, welcomed the arrival of Dorian James on August 5th.
The Children's Sunday School class singing "Give Me Joy in My Lamp" this past Sunday.
Pastor Andy Bryan and Colette Cummings served Communion during worship last Sunday
Freedom School Finale
Left: Here at the Finale celebration tat Lifewize STL to cheer for the Maplewood UMC scholars for Freedom School 2025
Below: The final day of Freedom School at Maplewood UMC was celebrated with an Ice Cream Socail on the church's front lawn
New Dates are in Green
Thursday, August 7
9:00 a.m.- noon Church office open
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Second Time Around Shop - 50% Off Sale
6:00 p.m. Praise Band Practice
7:00 p.m Feline Film Movie Night Homeward Bound The Incredible Journey
...Grateful that Karen Raborn’s leg brace is off; prayers for strength and comfort in walking and starting physical therapy
... Wayne Clark on the passing of his beloved wife Nancy on July 25th. Memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 16th.
...Jan harsh and her family on the death of her mother, Helen Harrington.
...Dan Stuvland and daughter Audrey in the passing of his mother Marion Kathryn Stuvland on July 3rd.
From Colette Cummings:
Our Nation
Peace
Everyone who is still suffering from natural disasters
...Healing for Tori Chandler and new treatment options..
...Continuing prayers for Tanika Rhodes, daughter, Donnesha and her three children for guidance and comfort.
...Continued strengthening for Jer Chulick and Peg in caring for him. Peg Chulick’s nephew Randy for healing for his lungs after a setback and thankfulness for family support.
...Jamie Moore, for strengthening and healing and also for niece whose husband died suddenly.
... Linda Vawter: Continued healing for Rhonda and Jerry, healing for nephew, Allen, having heart problem
...Sharon and Bill Housewright: Healing and strength for Paul and Jan Nolting, Pat and Butch Reid.
...Continuing prayers for Skip and Donna Reynolds' son, Mike who has completed chemo and radiation treatments. Skip Reynolds continues in hospice care at Laclede Groves Lutheran Senior Services.
If you have prayer concerns you wish to share with the congregation, let Kathy Schmid know: kschmid2005@sbcglobal.net
MUMC Kids
Get ready to get wet this Sunday as we prepare for some fun in the water!
The children love making blessing bags and helping support the community. They practiced the song they sang in worship!
DEADLINE for the church newsletter is MIDNIGHT EVERY TUESDAY: send articles via email only to jbrx10@yahoo.com.
The Sunday morning worship bulletin will be sent via email at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday
