Week of July 25, 2010

Baptism Scheduling. Baptism ceremonies are every second Sunday. Information sessions are held every fourth Sunday. Persons interested in scheduling baptisms should contact the church office to arrange to attend an information session.

Family Fun Fest. It’s that time again! Don’t forget the Family Fun Fest Event is July 31st from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. on the church's North parking lot. We will have food, fun, and fellowship as we “connect people with God in practical ways through compassionate outreach.” We need your support and participation. We need VOLUNTEERS, VOLUNTEERS, VOLUNTEERS and WATER, WATER, WATER. Please go to our website (www.stjamesumc.com) or call the church office 816-444-5588 for more information.

Contribution Statements. Contributions for the period of January – June 2010 were mailed last week. If you did not receive a statement or have questions about your statement, please contact Nyrobi in the church office.

Nursery. The nursery, located in the lower level of the Administrative Building, is available for children ages 1-5 during Sunday worship. Pamela Lee and April White are our nursery coordinators.

EXCITING WORSHIP

Men’s Day. Today is Men’s Day. Our theme for Men’s Day is “Revitalize Men in the Digital Age.” Let’s welcome our Guest Preacher Rev. Toby Sanders of Trenton, New Jersey’s Beloved Community Church. Each man is asked to give an offering of $35.00 to support the men’s ministries of St James.

Church Engagement. The congregation is invited to celebrate the church anniversary of North Street UMC (Marshall, MO) TODAY at 3:30 p.m. Dr. Cleaver is the guest preacher and the Sanctuary Choir will minister in song. Dinner will be served at 3:00 p.m.

Summer Worship. Everyone is invited to worship in casual attire as we move to one worship celebration at 10:00 a.m. Sunday, August 1st through Labor Day weekend. Sunday School will be from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. until we resume our normal 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. worship celebrations Sunday, September 12th. Our focus during these six weeks is "One Worship, One Community, One God." We will be intentional about “Connecting People with God in Practical Ways" as we PLUG IN - Praise, Love, Unite, Give, Invite, Nurture. Come ready to worship and leave ready to join the St. James Family in serving the community.

August 1st - Family and Friends Sunday
August 8th - Outreach & Evangelism*
August 15th - Blue Hills Neighborhood Cleanup*
August 22nd - Neighborhood Cookie Delivery*
August 29th - Compassionate Outreach*
September 5th - Labor Day Weekend

(*Denotes activity after worship celebration)

Sanctuary Choir. We rehearse Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. for those who cannot attend Saturday rehearsal. Regularly scheduled Saturday rehearsals will continue weekly at 11:30 a.m.

Annual Acolyte Training. Current and potential acolytes, light celebrants, and rail cleaners, ages 3-12, are encouraged to attend our Annual Acolyte Training each Saturdays, August 7,14, 21 and 28. in the Vaughan Chapel. Parent volunteers are encouraged to assist during these sessions. Contact Angela Baker (8:00 a.m. coordinator) at 816-721-5044 or Alaina Brooks (11:00 a.m. coordinator) at 816-668-8090 for more information.

Assistant Acolytes. Former acolytes ages 12-18 are invited to participate in a newly created Assistant Acolyte ministry, which assists the Acolyte coordinators in various aspects of the acolyte ministry. An orientation is scheduled Saturday, August 7th from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Additional sessions will be held with the annual Acolyte training (8/14/2010 and 8/21/2010). If you are interested please contact Angela Baker at 816-721-5044, Alaina Brooks at 816-668-8090 or Kathy Johnson at 913-220-3180.

AUTHENTIC FAITH DEVELOPMENT

Acknowledgements were received from Deborah Horne & Family.

Christian Sympathy is extended to Ronald Curry (Marlene) at the passing of his brother, Alfred Curry and to Irene Watson (Craig) at the passing of her aunt, Ardis Garrett.

Wednesday Mid-Day Bible Study. You are invited to journey through the Psalms. Come exercise your body at 11:00 a.m. at the Chair Aerobics Class; feed your soul at 11:30 a.m. with Bible Study; and nourish your body at 12:30 p.m. with a potluck fellowship meal.

Faith Development (Bible Study) Classes. We are shifting from the term Bible Study to Faith Development. This coincides with the vision of the church – Connecting People WITH God in Practical Ways through Intentional Faith Development, Exciting Worship and Compassionate Outreach. The following Faith Development classes are offered Tuesday evenings in August at 6:00 p.m.:

Spiritual Transformation Class. Seeing the Unseen Christ 50 Day Spiritual Adventure is designed to help participants “see” Christ present on Sundays, and experience his transforming presence every day of the week. This will be an 8-week study with classes lasting about 1½ hours. Participants are asked to purchase the “Seeing the Unseen Christ” journal at a cost of $8. Bring your Bible and your journal. Class will meet in the Conference Room.

Spiritual Gifts Class. Finding Your Gifts and Talents for Service, "Serving From The Heart", is an 8-week study designed to help participants discover their God-given S.T.R.I.D.E. and find ways to use their spiritual gifts in effective and fulfilling places of service. Class will meet in Room 2F.

The Anointing - David & Joab. This study will discuss the relationship between these servants of God, as well as the love displayed in the dedication of service. This will be a three-week study (August 3, 10, 17) with classes lasting 1 hour. Bring your Bible. Class will meet in Room 2B.

Holy Thoughts. Join us Tuesday nights from 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. How often do you think a negative thought about yourself? Me, Myself and Lies will help participants undergo a thought makeover. This class will continue until August 3rd with classes lasting 1¼ hours. Bring your Bible and a journal. Classes will meet in Room 2A.

Vacation Bible School. VBS concludes this Wednesday with a Praise Party Showcase of the last six weeks. Everyone is encouraged to join us in the sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. to celebrate! Dinner will be served at 6:00p.m.

Single Fellowship Calendar

Sunday School. All SINGLES are invited to join the Life Lessons class beginning Sunday, September 5th. Rev. Valentine will lead a 12-week study of the book of James. Lesson I is titled: “Growing Through Trials.” contact Yvette Richards at 816-304-9041 or aggiesnc310@aol.com to sign up. Class location will be announced.

Singles Sunday. Join us Sunday, October 3rd during 11:00 a.m. worship for Singles Fellowship Sunday. If you have any questions about the St. James Single Fellowship Group, please contact Yvette Richards at 816-304-9041, aggiesnc310@aol.com or Connie Woodson 816-520-8532 or connieworks2@yahoo.com.

COMPASSIONATE OUTREACH

Outreach Project. Attention Bakers! If you enjoy baking cookies, we have a special outreach project for you. Contact Min. Tina at 816-582-4080 or tharris@stjamesumc.com by July 31st to find out more. This will be a great way to use your gifts, talents, & skills to Connect People With God in a Practical Way.

Community Service. The Blue Hills Neighborhood Clean Up will be held Sunday, August 15th after worship. Please dress comfortable, bring gloves, hats and wear comfortable shoes. For more information contact Rev. Sherri.

KC Family Reunion Festival. Mark your calendars for August 6-8, 2010. Our featured guest artists Saturday, August 7th at 40 Acres are Kevin Mahogany and Four Play, featuring Bob James, Harvey Mason, Nathan East and Chuck Loeb. Discount tickets will be available Sunday, July 25th between worship ONLY in the Ministry Mall. Tickets are $8 per adult and $3 for children (age 5 and under free). Tickets at the gate are $10 per adult and $5 per child.

Family Reunion Event. The Disney Road Crew will be at the Kansas City Family Reunion Festival August 7th from 1:00pm – 2:30pm.

Pool Party. Forty Acres will have a “Night Of Fun In The Sun” pool party Sunday, August 15th from 6:00pm -10:00pm. The cost for age 30 and over is $10 per person.

Save the Date. Mark your calendars: Part II “Oldies but Goodies Dance” Friday, October 29th. Stay tuned for more details.

Emergency Preparedness. Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) is being offered on the following Saturdays: August 14, 21, and 28 from 8:30 to 5:00 (bring lunch). The first two classes on Saturday August 14 and 21 will be held at 635 Woodland Ave Suite 2107. The location for the third class has not been determined. You will be participating in an actual exercise in the final class. You must complete all 3 classes in order to be certified in CERT. We must have a minimum of 12 people no more than 25 in the class. Please sign up in the Ministry Mall between services or you can talk to Stephanie Walker 816-885-7142 or Cynthia Johnson. Total class time is 24 hours.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Prayer and Consecration. The Pastoral Team meets for prayer every Monday morning. If you have prayer requests/concerns, prayer cards are located in your pew. Please place your completed prayer card in the prayer box in the Narthex.

Pastoral Counseling. Counseling is available by appointment only. Contact Rev. Dr. Laurice Valentine at 816-304-5299 for an appointment .

Van Ministry. To arrange transportation for a Sunday worship service, you must call 816-444-5588, ext. 202 every Saturday before 6:00 p.m.

Audio Ministry. If you would like to order a CD or DVD of Sunday worship or the Hour of Power, please place your order after service today on the second floor in the Sound Room. CD’s are $7.00 and DVDs are $10.00. Make checks payable to St. James UMC. All orders must be prepaid.