Dear Church Family,

If you have been around the church much this week—or anywhere else downtown—you have seen firsthand that there is a lot of hustle and bustle in the neighborhood. Folks carrying unwieldy piles of luggage and furniture into apartment buildings is a frequent sight on the streets around the church these days.

Many of you have said that Columbia changes significantly when the college students return, and I’m excited to witness the transformation. It’s a joy and privilege to have a front row seat to all the signs of life and new beginnings occurring right outside my office window! More than that, it’s humbling to consider all the ways our church has been there—and continues to be there—for generations of young adults in Columbia.

This Sunday in worship we are wrapping up our two week series, “Quad and Cathedral,” by giving thanks to God for the important work of Jesus Christ that takes place every day through our wonderful college ministry, the Neighborhood—and also by considering how God may be calling us to support it. In addition, we’ll be talking a look at 1 Timothy 4:10-16, and asking what lessons we can learn from it for trying to follow Christ today.

Thank you for all the ways you bless all the generations of this place. See you in church!

In Christ,

Daniel

To celebrate both the start of another academic year, as well as MUMC’s rich history of campus ministry, we are starting a brief two-week sermon series this weekend titled “Quad and Cathedral.”

If you are coming for the 11:00 service we ask that you enter through the Connector and arrive close to service time as we will ask people to refrain from entering the Sanctuary until The City service has concluded.

A new feature to highlight the many ministries we have happening here at MUMC. Groups can share the Who? What? When? Where? and Why? of their groups.

Group leaders: Julia Goodell, teacher, Dennis Lynch, prayer leader, Sue McKee, communications

Who are welcome: those who want to delve into Scripture to know God better and wrestle with being a disciple in today's world.

What: The Bible

When: Sunday mornings 9:30 - 10:30

Where: Room 301 

Contact: Julia Goodell [email protected]

        David Barnes [email protected]

Our Prayer Shawl Ministry had a blessing of the scarves they have made for Assistance League's Operation School Bell Project.

Grief is hard! If you are on that journey now please know that you don't have to walk it alone.  We would love to come alongside you and share the burden of grieving a loved one’s death.

The next Grief Support Group is set to begin in September. Please consider attending Walking Through Grief beginning Wednesday September 13 and going through November 15, 2023. The class takes place 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. in Room 302. There is no cost to the participants AND the rewards are huge! You don't have to be associated with MUMC to participate. If you know someone who might join us let them know about the support group.

Call Amy or Liz in the Church office 443-3111 to register or for more information. We look forward to this journey with you. Facilitators: Amy Bowers, Tim Carson, and Fay Vessell.

Sign-up Genius is now attached for MUMC volunteers to sign-up for the Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build to be held Sept. 19-28 in Columbia.

Volunteers are needed every day to help with the check-in desk; serve provided food for breakfast, lunch, or snacks; distribute water to volunteers; help builders; and put the finishing touches on the inside of new homes. Breakfast, lunch, beverages and water along with a HFH shirt will be provided to volunteers.

MUMC will be helping with building and interior finishing on Saturday, Sept. 23. Skilled workers from HFH will be instructing and supervising all volunteer builders.  Site work will take place from 7:00 am – 4 pm daily and includes painting rooms inside, laying floors, installing cabinets, applying siding, etc. Your help is needed and appreciated!

You can make a prayer request by using the Connection cards in the pews or by contacting either Jim Helms ([email protected]) or Carole Babel ([email protected]). Also, let us know if you would like to serve on the prayer team. In addition to updating a weekly prayer list, this team also plans occasional events to engage the congregation in group prayer.

This week, the City Singers will present "Think of Me" from Phantom of the Opera for the special music selection during the City service. As you may be aware, Andrew Lloyd Webber's show was the longest-running production on Broadway before closing earlier this year. The lyrics of the song detail the influence of a past love interest long after a relationship ends, but I invite you to consider them in the broader context of one's ability to impact the lives of others. 

The Men's Group continues to collect clean jugs to use for the packing of carts for Mobility Worldwide. Please keep those jugs coming! Barrels are in the Connector behind the Connection Point Desk.

Val's Circle: Second Monday 11:30 lunch - 12:30 p.m. meeting in the MUMC parlor

Breakfast Group: Second Tuesday times and location TBD

Esther Circle: Second Wednesday 8:30 a.m. MUMC room 304

Bratton-Cunningham Circle: Second Wednesday 10:00 a.m. at Lenoir Woods

Searcy-Feely Circle: Third Wednesday 10:00 a.m. location TBD

Wesley Circle: Second Thursday 1:00 in the MUMC parlor optional 11:30 lunch

Sophia Circle: Second Thursday 5:30 p.m. in the MUMC parlor

Gibson Circle: Third Thursday 10:00 a.m. in MUMC parlor

Eagle Online Circle: no regular meetings

First Monday Book Group: First Monday 4:00 p.m.in the MUMC parlor

MUMC Book Club: Second Wednesday10:00 a.m. via zoom or location TBD

MUMC Quilters: Thursdays 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. room 303

Prayer Shawl Ministry: Meets 3-6 times per year. Watch for announcements

As a Reminder: Church leaders will not email individuals requesting emergency favors or gift cards for charity. You can read about tactics used by email scammers here.