6A


Missouri Conference News


Auction raises thousands for Haiti


By Susan Hoyle Trinity UMC Pastor It was a rather dreary, rainy


Friday night in Bloomfield in the Southeast District on March 4. Who would have imagined that the miracle of the loaves and fishes would happen again?


This


time the loaves and fishes were items and services auctioned off to the highest bidders to buy HydrAid Biosand water filters for our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Nearly $7000 was raised which will buy 206 filters that will provide clean water for over 1000 people! Each filter provides 100 gallons of clean water a day which is enough for five people. The cost? Only $35 for one filter and it lasts for 10 years! Trinity UMC in Bloomfield


heard about the filters in the sermon on January 30, a sermon about how we can change the world. Folks were asked to be creative with ideas to generate the funds for the people of Haiti who are dying from cholera because there is no clean water. What kind of choice is it when people have to decide to give their babies and children no water at all or water that is contaminated and they may die from drinking it? The list of ideas was long and the mission team decided that an auction would be the first of many ways to raise the funds. The congregation was asked to bring new or gently used items, along with services. They were asked to be creative with their services which included dinners, a pon- toon party, private concerts, mole trapping, beauty makeover, lawn mowing, car detailing, computer repair and a trail ride to name just a few of them. Folks in the area heard about


April 1, 2011


This jacket, originally owned and signed by Sheryl Crow, was auctioned at Trinity UMC.


the auction and many people offered items and services. One of the more interesting items was an autographed coat from singer Sheryl Crow which brought $375. Interestingly enough, the mole trapping brought $350! Artwork from two Trinity kids brought nearly $300. There were even grandmas bidding against each other! The auctioneer, Gary Rhine, donated his time and made the evening a joy for every- one. Many people who couldn’t attend donated money to buy filters. What a joy to be a part of helping others with the basic need of water. God blessed this auction.


GBGM shares ways to help Japan The General Board of Global


Ministries of the United Methodist Church sends the following infor- mation to regarding the recent disasters in Japan. Volunteers: The situation in


Japan at present is not conducive to relief volunteers coming in from other countries. Neither UMCOR nor the General Board of Global Ministries facilitates volunteers in disaster zones unless they are requested by local part- ners or government agencies. No such requests have been received to date from Japan. Relief Supplies: The situation


in Japan following the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami remains volatile because of uncer- tainty about radiation from the damaged nuclear reactors. UMCOR welcomes layette


and school kits but is uncertain whether or where such items will


be permitted to enter Japan. Any kits received will be distributed where they are most needed in the world. General: UMCOR and


the General Board of Global Ministries are working through relief and church partners in Japan to respond to provide immediate assistance and long-term reha- bilitation. These partners include Global Medic, the United Church of Christ in Japan, the National Christian Council in Japan, and others. Pacific Emergency, Advance #3021317, is the United Methodist channel for contributions. One hundred percent of each gift sup- ports relief efforts, and generous gifts will support the rebuilding of communities, including the recon- struction of homes and places of worship. Contributions can be made in


a variety of ways. Online at www.umcor.org:


Pacific Emergency, Advance #3021317. By mail: Make your check pay-


able to Advance GCFA. Write the name of the ministry and The Advance code number on the check. Send your check to: Advance GCFA P.O. Box 9068, GPO New York, NY 10087-9068 By phone: Give credit card gifts


by calling (888) 252-6174. Through your local United


Methodist church: Make your check payable to


your local church. Write the name of the ministry and the Advance code number on the check. Drop your gift in any United Methodist church offering plate or give your gift to your church treasurer, so that your church and annual con- ference will get Advance credit.


University UMC celebrates 100 years University United Methodist


Church in University City, Missouri recently celebrated its centennial.


Joining Rev.


Jill Sander-Chali with special sermons were former pastors Rev. Dr. Thomas Frank (1984- 1986), Rev. John Heyward, (1991-1994), and Rev. Bruce Davis (1986-1991). Gateway Central District Superintendent Rev. Kurt


Schuermann also attended the celebration. Robert Schnase, Resident Bishop, Missouri Conference, sent greetings to the UUMC congregation for their rich history of ministry in the community. Many UUMC members sent


greetings, memorable experi- ences and photographs that were included in a commemorative program. University City mayor,


Shelly Welsch, presented a proc- lamation commemorating 100 years of service by UUMC. The UUMC congregation


gives thanks to God for the “cloud of witnesses” who, over the past one hundred years, allowed them to adapt and find creative ways to make Disciples of Christ. They look forward to their second century of minis- try in the St. Louis area.


From left, Rev. Bruce Davis, Rev. Kurt Schuermann, Mayor Shelly Welsch, Rev. Jill Sander-Chali


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16