creates spaces where people can have authentic encounters with Christ, discover their Spiritual gifts. and use them for God’s glory
Thursday, September 4, 2025
If you are new to Maplewood UMC..
After worship on Sunday, September 7 fix a plate at the potluck luncheon and go to Memorial Hall to learn about Maplewood UMC, it's mission and it's goals.
Youth Group Organizing Meeting
Sunday, September 28, 2025 - 6:00-7:30 pm
Maplewood United Methodist Youth in sixth through twelfth grades are invited to a meeting to organize a Youth Group here at Maplewood. On Sunday, September 28 we will gather at 6:00 pm in Fellowship Hall for a snack supper before heading to the Youth Room to play a few games and then discuss plans for the group. Invite your friends and neighbors!
Note from Pastor Andy
Halfway through our series, “Stories of Hope,” we will dive into the story of a synagogue leader named Jairus. His story is very cleverly interwoven with another story in the Gospel of Luke. Interrupting the story of Jairus is a story of a woman who has been bleeding for twelve years with no relief. Both stories are grounded in hope in Jesus.
Jairus has a twelve year old daughter who is very close to death. He has come to Jesus with the hope that Jesus will be able to heal his daughter.
The woman in the story, who is unnamed by Luke, has been bleeding for twelve years, the very same time that Jairus’s daughter has been alive. She comes to Jesus with the hope that he will be able to do what the doctors she had visited were not.
Although the only characters in the story whose names are mentioned are men, the story really is about two women. Or if you prefer, the girl and the woman. They are connected in a couple of ways. First, the number twelve is significant for both. Twelve is a common number in Scripture: Twelve tribes of Israel, twelve minor prophets in the Hebrew Bible, twelve apostles of Jesus, twelve gates in the New Jerusalem, and more.
The second way the two are connected is in the idea of impurity. Both would be considered ritually impure, the older woman because of her bleeding and the girl because of her death. Because of this, they would have been cut off from relationships and their place in the community. Jesus’s actions in these connected stories reconnects the women and restores their respective places in the community.
So I guess we’re not really exploring the story of Jairus this week; actually we’ll be exploring the stories of the two who remain unnamed. May their stories be a source of hope for restoration and reconciliation for all of us, and especially for those who feel cut off and unnamed in the mainstream. I will see you in church!
Pastor Andy
Our sending forth hymn is "May You Run and Not Be Weary". Olivia has put together signs to the words of this hymn and leads the congregation every Sunday.
Further information from the Zoom meeting of the Reconciling Ministry Network
Reconciling Ministries Network
Thank you so much for your participation in the summer series of Zoom conversations between Reconciling Church leaders and RMN staff. As promised, this email includes a link to a Google Doc full of helpful tools for ongoing leadership.
Click HERE to open the Google Doc and make sure to begin with the tab entitled, "START HERE!" This first tab includes brief instructions for using a Google doc with tabs (since tabs are a newer feature of Google Docs). Don't worry. They're easy and super helpful!
If you experience any difficulties, please don't hesitate to contact me!
I'm incredibly grateful for you and your partnership in this shared ministry.
Maplewood and Webster UMCs are collaborating this September to offer a small group on Sunday evenings at 7:00 pm. The group will be a discussion format, centering on LGBT inclusion in the church. Weeks 1 and 3 will take place at Webster UMC and weeks 2 and 4 will take place at Maplewood. For more information, or to register for the group, call 314.961.4133
GriefShare begins a New Session
A new session of the faith-based GriefShare program for those mourning the loss of loved ones begins Monday, September 8. Sessions are 7-8:30 PM and run for 13 Monday evenings, ending Dec. 1. Register at GriefShare.org to access additional resources. Questions? Steve or Lis Wall-Smith, 314-369-7952 or 314-497-9186.
Sharing your "Hopes" for Maplewood UMC
As a part of the four week sermon series on Hope, the congregation has been asked to share their hopes on the bulletin board in the room behind the sanctuary. If you would like to see what has been shared so far
Last Sunday, Rev. Lauren Bennett from the Metropolitan Community Church, shared an inspiring message during the Sunday worship service while Pastor Andy shared the message at her church.
Last Sunday was the final Sunday for the Summer special music, Rona Chandler sang and Amy Cordeal played the flute along with recording the piano accompaniment.
New Dates are in Green
Thursday, September 4
9:00 a.m.- 12:00p.m. Church office open
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Second Time Around Shop - 50% off Sale
The St. Louis Reconciling United Methodists will once again have a booth at Tower Grove Pride, Saturday September 27 and Sunday September 28. They are inviting United Methodists who are supportive of LGBTQIA+ inclusion in all areas of church life to help out. If God is calling you to do so, you may sign up at this link:
Pastor Andy Bryan will be serving at the booth on Sunday the 28th from 3:14 - 4:45. He would LOVE to see a few more Maplewoodians there! It is a wonderful way to give witness to God’s unconditional love for all people!
Prayers for...
...Peg Chulick’s continuing strengthening after a short stay in the hospital for breathing issues, and Jer’s maintenance and comfort.
...Jamie Moore, for healing and strength, comfort and peace.
...Continuing prayers for Skip and Donna Reynolds' son, Mike forcontinued healing while he works. Skip Reynolds for safety from viruses and comfort for him and Donna as he continues in hospice at Evertrue Laclede,
...Grateful that Karen Raborn’s leg brace is off; prayers for strength and comfort in walking and starting physical therapy
From Colette Cummings:
Our Nation
Peace
Everyone who is still suffering from natural disasters
...Healing for Tori Chandler and new treatment options..
... Linda Vawter: Continued healing for Rhonda and Jerry, healing for nephew, Allen, having heart problem
If you have prayer concerns you wish to share with the congregation, let Kathy Schmid know: kschmid2005@sbcglobal.net
MUMC Kids
This Sunday we will talk about having faith, and how we sometimes believe in things before we see them.
Last Sunday we celebrated the end of Summer with our Smores & More Bash!
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
