Facebook  Instagram  Web  YouTube
 
 
 

Dear Church Family,


If you’ve been around Missouri United Methodist Church a while, you may know already that we begin every month by celebrating Holy Communion in all services (at the 9:30 service, of course, we take Communion every week). Communion at this coming first Sunday (October 4), however, is a little bit different: it’s World Communion Sunday!


Every year on the first Sunday of October, churches from many different denominational traditions celebrate the Lord’s Supper in the special awareness of how the sacrament binds us together in one big Christian family. In the United Methodist Church, we also mark the day with an additional giving opportunity: World Communion Sunday offering goes to support scholarships for students of color who are pursuing ministry and furthering their education, as well as leadership programs around the world. To make the day even more special this year, our district superintendent Rev. Melissa Dodd will also preside over Communion at all services this Sunday!


Finally, we will also be exploring Matthew 26:17-19, 26-30 in all services as part of our ongoing “Bible Toolbox” sermon series. Please come as we consider the often surprising importance of context in reading Scripture together.


See you in church!


Daniel

 

Throughout September, we've enjoyed gathering for Midweek at MUMC and would love to hear about your experience! Whether you attended once, several times, or every week, your feedback will help us evaluate what worked well and how we can make future midweek opportunities even more meaningful.



Please take a few minutes to complete our survey and share your thoughts. Thank you for helping us continue to create opportunities for connection, learning, and community at MUMC.


 
 

Our Annual Report is now available and offers a snapshot of the ways God has been at work through our congregation.


Inside, you'll find stories, highlights, and impact reports from across our ministries, along with a look at how your generosity supports worship, discipleship, outreach, and care for our community.



We invite you to explore the report and celebrate all that we have accomplished together as we continue connecting all people with Jesus Christ.

 
 

Halloweenie is just around the corner, and we need your help to make this event a success! From October 4–30, you can support the event by donating individually wrapped candy or 12-ounce sports drinks in the Connector.


Interested in volunteering? We're also looking for people to host a Trunk or Treat vehicle or help lead games and activities during the event. Click the button below to sign up and be part of creating a fun, welcoming experience for children and families in our community.

MUMC Youth is seeking volunteers to provide dinner for our Sunday evening youth gatherings this fall. Meals typically serve 10–15 youth and leaders, and volunteers are invited to stay and share the meal with the group before the evening's lesson and activities begin.


If you'd like to sign up to provide a meal, please email Ryan with your preferred date and what you plan to serve. If you're still deciding on a menu, that's okay—just let Ryan know your meal choice at least one week in advance.

Looking for a fun way to connect with others? Join Tabletop, MUMC's board game and tabletop gaming group! Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just looking to try something new, all are welcome for an evening of games, conversation, and community.

Upcoming gatherings will be held in the Coffee Shop on:


  • October 15, 5:00–7:00 PM
  • November 5, 5:00–7:00 PM


We hope you'll pull up a chair and join the fun!

Have you ever wondered about the stories behind the beautiful stained glass windows in our Sanctuary? Join us for a special guided tour following the 11:00 AM worship service on Sunday, October 11. You'll learn about the history, symbolism, and craftsmanship of these treasured windows and discover how they reflect the faith and heritage of generations past.


Whether you're new to MUMC or have worshiped here for years, this is a wonderful opportunity to see our Sanctuary through fresh eyes and gain a deeper appreciation for one of its most distinctive features.

 
 

United Women in Faith is seeking nominations for the UWF Special Mission Recognition Award. This award honors person/s for their work toward the missions of UWF which support the needs of women, children and youth.

The nominee does not have to be a member of UWF. The criteria for consideration include length of active service and participation in UWF or MUMC church related activities, type of leadership, current participation and participation in church programs.


If you would like to nominate someone, please submit a Special Mission Recognition Award nomination form along with a letter of nomination in writing by October 31, 2026

Access the nomination form below or pick up a form in the UWF box at church.


Please put completed nomination forms in the UWF mailbox in the MUMC Office by October 31, 2026 or mail to Jan Mees, 2746 W. Willowbark Court, Columbia MO 65203.



Please contact Jan Mees via email if you would like more information: janisnmees@gmail.com


 

Join us for an inspiring evening of music on Saturday, October 24 at 7:00 PM as Prometheus presents A People United: The Human Spirit in Song at Missouri United Methodist Church.


Through music from a variety of cultures and traditions, this acclaimed vocal ensemble celebrates the shared experiences that connect us as human beings and highlights the power of song to bring people together.


Admission is $20, and college students are admitted free! We hope you'll join us for this uplifting community event.



 


Join the MUMC Digital Directory!


MUMC members will soon receive an email invitation to join our digital church directory. Participation is optional, and joining allows your contact information to be shared securely with other MUMC members.


If you'd like to be included, please accept the invitation by Friday, October 9.


If you had a photo taken for the printed directory, your approved photo will still appear in the printed directory along with the information you provided during your session—you'll simply need to opt in separately if you'd also like to be included in the digital version.


Email Liz at liz@moumc.org for additional information.

 

The MUMC Finance Team recently reviewed the August financial reports and is encouraged by the results. General Giving totaled $125,236 in August, rebounding from lower levels in June and July and marking the highest August giving total in the past seven years—nearly $10,000 higher than any previous August. The presence of five Sundays in August contributed to this strong month, and we are hopeful that giving will continue to trend toward the levels experienced during the first part of 2026.


Overall, the church's financial position remains stable and healthy. Year-to-date revenue is approximately $38,000 below budget, while expenses are $90,000 under budget, helping keep the operating deficit below projected levels. Looking ahead, October will include an additional payroll cycle, increasing monthly expenses, while November's five Sundays may provide an opportunity for stronger giving.



The Finance Team has also begun work on the 2027 budget and anticipates sharing an initial draft with the Lead Team in October.

Thank you for your continued generosity and support of MUMC's mission and ministries. Your giving helps make possible the worship, service, discipleship, and community outreach that continue to impact lives throughout our church and beyond.



-Greg Thackery


 

Please join us in celebrating the clergy and staff of MUMC during the month of October as it is the official Clergy and Staff Recognition month!


The Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committee (SPPRC) recognition program relays the congregation’s gratitude for the dedication of clergy and staff in supporting the mission of MUMC. Our clergy and staff provide many functions, tasks and compassion to the parishioners daily.



Today, the SPPRC hosted a luncheon for the clergy and staff of MUMC and are providing a few other treats to them throughout the month of October. As you have the opportunity, please extend gratitude to the clergy and staff for their ongoing support of MUMC!


SPPRC members:

Micheal Richardson

Randa Rawlins

Mary Beck, chair

Trudy McManus, Lead Team chair