Dear Church Family,

The Bible is a book of superlatives. It is the best-selling book in the world, but it is also likely the most debated. Many would say it is the most beloved book, while many would also say it is the most unusual and confusing. The Bible, in short, is a book of extremes.

With such heightened feelings surrounding the book, it is understandable that a lot of people find the thought of reading the Bible a daunting prospect. Where does a person even begin in reading and thinking about it?

In the hopes of helping us all feel a little more equipped to read the Bible, we are starting a new sermon series this Sunday titled “The Bible Toolbox.” Each week we will be considering a different approach (or “tool”) to reading the Bible that can hopefully help it feel more manageable and less confusing. With more “tools” in our toolbox, our prayer is that the Bible can become a greater source of wonder and love for us all.

See you in church!

Daniel

LAST MIDWEEK AT MUMC IS COMING UP!

Our final Midweek gathering is just around the corner! Join us on Wednesday, September 30 for a churchwide meal and discipleship opportunities for all ages. This is a great chance to meet new people, share a meal, and invest in your spiritual growth.

Kids can enjoy activities from 5:00–5:30 p.m. while parents connect during a social hour. At 5:30 p.m., we’ll gather for a churchwide meal (a donation of any amount is welcome, and members do not need to bring sides), followed by discipleship groups from 6:30–7:30 p.m. There’s a place for everyone—come grow in faith and community together!

We hope we’ll see you at Midweek!

Looking to grow deeper in your faith and connect with others this fall? New small groups are launching in October, offering opportunities for learning, conversation, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Whether you're new to MUMC or have been here for years, there's a place for you!

MUMC is excited to be part of Mid-MO PrideFest again this year, and we'd love your help this weekend!

We're looking for volunteers to assist with our booth on Saturday, September 26. This is a wonderful opportunity to show up as a welcoming and affirming presence in our community and connect with people who may be looking for a church home.

There are several ways to get involved:

• Sign up for a 1-hour setup or teardown shift
• Serve a 2-hour "Pastor Hugs" shift (for clergy)
• Volunteer for a 2-hour tabling shift to share information about MUMC and welcome festival attendees



We'll provide all the supplies and materials. You just bring your energy, hospitality, and friendly presence!

Thank you for helping us embody Christ's love and welcome at PrideFest. We can't do it without you.

If you notice something around the church that needs attention—whether it's a light bulb, a leaky faucet, or another facility concern—help is just a scan away! QR codes for maintenance requests are now posted throughout the church. Simply scan the code with your phone, submit the issue, and our facilities team will be notified so they can follow up as quickly as possible. Thank you for helping us care for our shared spaces!

Our Young Adults recently gathered to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for distribution through Como Mobile Aid Collective (COMAC), providing a simple but meaningful way to care for neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

Missouri UMC prepares these sandwiches once each month, and additional groups are invited to participate. If your group would like to take a month, please contact Liz at liz@moumc.org.

If you’d like to help fund the supplies, you can give to MUMC and include “PB&J” in the memo line.

Thank you!

The Unhoused Neighbors Team extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated dog food and helped package it on Sunday. Together, we prepared and delivered more than 100 gallon-sized bags of food to help care for the beloved pets of our unhoused neighbors.

On Sunday, September 20th, the MUMC 2026 CROP Walk Team participated in the annual CROP Hunger Walk at Stephens Lake Park. Dora & Greg Thackery, Sharon Salmons and her family, and Walt Muskopf walked in the event, with spiritual support from Sharon's father and Cleo Kottwitz during the walk. There were 146 walkers on Sunday and about 1130 miles walked the week leading up to Sunday. 731 cans of food were donated to the four local food pantries supported by the Columbia CROP Hunger Walk. The early fundraising total for CROP Walk 2026 is about $19,500 of the $27,000 goal. From MUMC about $700 was turned in on Sunday and Men's Group has pledged $300 for $1,000 to start the MUMC fundraising. You can donate towards the MUMC CROP Walk effort by making a check out to MUMC, with "CROP Walk" in the memo line, through the month of October. Since 2014 there is a traveling trophy for the church group with the highest annual fundraising effort for CROP Walk. MUMC was awarded the trophy in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2022. Thanks for the continued support of this community outreach ministry by the MUMC congregation.

-Greg Thackery

2026–2027 MUMC Concert Series

Time is running out to order discounted season tickets! Buy one and get the second half-priced. For $150, two adults can attend six outstanding performances! For tickets, donations, and the full concert schedule, scan the QR code or visit moumc.org/concertseries. When September ends, season tickets will be full price!

Missouri United Methodist Church is pleased to announce the 2026–2027 MUMC Concert Series season, offering another season of exceptional music for the church and Columbia community. All concerts begin at 7 p.m., with adult single tickets available for $20 and students and children admitted free. This year’s lineup includes Prometheus on October 24, Holiday Brass on December 5, the Christmas Concert on December 19, an organ concert featuring Dr. Gail Archer on February 27, Sorcha—Irish Folk on April 3, and ShowMe Brass on April 24.

The Concert Series continues MUMC’s tradition of presenting memorable performances that range from cherished seasonal favorites to classical, world, folk, and brass music not routinely heard elsewhere in Columbia.