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Writer's picturePastor Linda Settles

Be the Light


Sometimes, depending on how I pick up my cell phone, I’ll accidentally turn on the flashlight feature. And I won’t even realize that it’s on, especially during the day. But if it’s in my purse, or if the sun isn’t out, then I can’t help but see that piercing light! But here’s the thing – it was on, whether I saw it or not!


It’s the same way with our spiritual journey. We reflect the light of Christ. And that light should shine so brightly, that even when we’re not trying, even when we’re not looking, others can see Jesus reflected in us and through us.


So, whether it’s through our giving, our serving, in fact in our everyday living…


“Whatever task you must do, work as if your soul depends on it, as for the Lord and not for humans…”

Colossians 3:23


For the believer, everything we do or say should be done or said as if we were doing it for the Lord. As if our soul depended on it! I know that’s a humbling thought because we’ve said and done some stuff that wasn’t all that holy, but that’s how intently our light should shine.


So, your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to admit what you’ve done wrong, turn away from it and towards Jesus, then start reflecting His love, His grace, and His forgiveness to others. Then you can join the chorus and sing: “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!”


I invite you to join us this Sunday for worship as we hear an inspiring message from Rev. Wayne Lavender, the Executive Director of the Foundation 4 Orphans, the group that oversees the Dondo Home. He will explain the new model of caring for orphaned children and youth. We will take a few moments after worship for any questions that you may have as we discern our continued support.


Blessing of the Backpacks! On August 20, we will bless our children, youth, college students, as well as faculty and parents, as they enter a new school year. Invite all the students you know (and their parents!) to come and hear a message that will show them their worth and to receive a blessing for an awesome year of school!


Updates from the Mission Field Next Sunday, August 20, we will also hear from our youth about their mission trip! Mission trips can be life-changing experiences, and they want to share with their church how they were impacted by this journey and thank the church for your support.


Trivia Night & Silent Auction This year we will celebrate 55 years of ministry at the UMC of Green Trails! The celebration begins with Trivia Nite on Friday, Sept. 15. The donation is $25/person or $200 for a table of 8. Put a team together with family and friends (including your kiddos) and let’s have some friendly competition!


***SILENT AUCTION DONATIONS NEEDED***

The Family Trivia Night Task Team is looking for donations for the silent auction fundraiser that will occur Friday, September 15, 2023 during Trivia Night. Donations can be brought to Amanda Hughes or Jei Evans at the church. Here are some ideas of donations: Tickets or gift cards to restaurants, spas, sporting events, gyms, hotels, destination vacations, airline tickets, concerts, movies, theater events, pet daycare, etc.


New donation items might include jewelry, original pieces of art, congregation talents and services (babysitting, pet sitting/walking, cleaning, baking, tutoring, photography, event planning), games, puzzles, pop culture items, new release books, etc.


The Trivia Night Task Team will have a sign-up sheet in the Narthex lobby for attendance and for donated items. Email Amanda Hughes: amanda.hughes@att.net, or call: 314-920-5724 with questions.


55 for 55 Our anniversary fundraising goal is $55,000 in honor of 55 years of faithful service and generosity. I invite you to consider how you will participate in giving. Whether it’s $5, $500, or some multiple of 5, no gift is too small (or too large!). Soon there will be a line for Anniversary giving on our e-giving site, or you can write “Anniversary” on the memo line of your check. We will culminate our 55th Church Anniversary celebration on Sunday, November 5, with worship and dinner. Let’s celebrate 55 for 55!


Need Prayer? Our Prayer Team has you covered! Prayer will be offered on the last Sunday of each month, starting August 27, from 9:00-9:45am, in the Prayer Room (across from the Sanctuary). In times like these, we need prayer more than ever, and the Prayer Team is here for you! Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. 14 Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.James 5:13-14.


More Prayer…I’m dedicating the month of September to praying the Psalms! We will use those 30 days to pray through all 150 Psalms and it will only take 10-12 minutes of your day. It will be in audio format, so all you will need to do is click and listen. Keep moving your faith forward by listening to the Psalms Praylist in September!


More and more prayer Let’s keep the state of Hawaii in our prayers behind the devastation they’re going through from the wildfires that wiped out whole neighborhoods. Over 50 people are known dead so far, and families have suffered great loss. And remember that if you want to give to help in any area of devastation, we have a means to do so through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) at umcor.org. From international efforts such as Ukraine, to local ones, UMCOR is the best way to stay up on what relief efforts are happening, and the best way to give to those efforts. Lord in Your mercy, hear our prayers.


Worship With Us ~ Sundays at 10:00am

In-house:

14237 Ladue Rd.

Chesterfield, MO 63017

or

Online:


Sunday School for all ages at 9:00am!


Blessings,

Pastor Linda

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