LPUMC News & Views-Jan-Feb 2011

8/7/2019 LPUMC News & Views-Jan-Feb 2011

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Wilder View 2

Good Sense 5

Check It Out 8

Earth Care Column 8

February 20

UMW

Ham & Bean Lunch

February 27

Reconciling Ministries

Workshop 1-4 p.m.

In Fellowship Hall

Week of February 27

Lenten Book Study

Small Group Details TBA

March 6

WCDANS Mardi Gras

Celebration (Bagels)

March 20

WCDANS

Bagel Breakfast

March 25

Pre-School Trivia Night

& Auction at

Electricians Hall

In This Issue

A church without walls, creating a visible sign of Christs presence in our urban community and beyond

News & ViewsA monthly publication of Lafayette Park United Methodist Church Jan./ Feb. 2011

Lafayette Park United Methodist Church 2300 Lafayette Avenue St. Louis, MO 63104 314-771-9214

Happenings at

LPUMC CONGRATULATIONS, CHURCH!For GIFTS of Life and Health to Catembe, Mozambique

*There are no words to express my gratitude at theamazing work you have done to raise 2,000 nets tohelp eradicate malaria in Catembe Mozambique.We have received commitments at this point that

will take us to our goal of 2000 nets or a total of$20,000. These nets will be deployed in the areaof Catembe Mozambique. Our church has beenable to help an entire community find life givinghope. Thank You.This is so huge for us to be able to do this, there isno way to calculate the lives that you are impact-ing through your generous and sacrificial giving toprovide these nets.We will keep you posted on the deployment plansand time line. In the mean time, Thank You!Pastor Kathleen

*Thank you for this wonderful news.Congratulations to all! I am copying Bishop

Schnase and also Shannon Trilli who heads up the

malaria iniatives for UMCOR. This amazing feat

by Lafayette Park United Methodist Church in St.

Louis deserves attention! Now the job is to get the

nets deployed on the Catembe peninsula!

You are to be commended for your faithfulness to

save lives and save souls for Christ!

When distribution is implemented there will be a survey of the number of peo-

ple living in the beneficiary households where the nets are hungso you will

know what that number is! What a great jobyour persistence pays off!

Many, Many blessings,Carol P. KreamerCoordinatorThe Mozambique Initiative

*Emails of January 26, 2011


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Church Office HoursMonday - Friday

9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.314-771-9214

PastorRev. Kathleen Wilder

[email protected]

Church Secretary

Maria LawrenceM-F 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 [email protected]

Newsletter EditorElena Greene

[email protected]

Newsgrouphttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/lpumc

WebMasterChris Finley

[email protected]

Preschool DirectorEdna Coleman

[email protected]

Youth DirectorTBD

News & ViewsEditorEditorEditorEditor

Elena Greene

Newsletter ProductionNewsletter ProductionNewsletter ProductionNewsletter ProductionBob & Jeris Beane

Sunday Bulletin ProductionSunday Bulletin ProductionSunday Bulletin ProductionSunday Bulletin Production

Betty Disbennett

Mary Disbennett

CCCCHURCHHURCHHURCHHURCH

CCCCONTACTSONTACTSONTACTSONTACTS

P a g e 2P a g e 2P a g e 2P a g e 2 L P U M C N e w s & V i e w sL P U M C N e w s & V i e w sL P U M C N e w s & V i e w sL P U M C N e w s & V i e w s


On May 21, 2011, I will be traveling to Port-Au-Prince, Haiti with agroup sponsored by the Office of Creative Ministries of the UnitedMethodist Church. Our projects will range from rubble removal tosome stage of rebuild in the area affected by the 2010 earthquake.During our stay we will also offer Vacation Bible School and any otherassistance to the children. We will depart on Saturday, May 21, andreturn on Saturday, May 28, 2011.The estimated cost is $1,850 per person which includes $350 for con-struction cost. $1,000 is due in January and the remainder is due inMarch. Any donation will be greatly appreciated. You can makechecks payable to OCM-VIM. They can be placed in the collection

plate or mailed to Rev. Sharon Kichline, 519 Tuxedo Blvd., St. Louis,MO 63119.Thank you for your consideration on this life giving project.

Brenda Cook

Good IdeasGood IdeasGood IdeasGood Ideas

Since becoming a member of LPUMC, I have been trying to comeup with projects that everyone would benefit from. I have two ideasthat wouldnt cost anything and everyone could be involved.

My first idea is the SHARING CORNER. Every month in theNews & Views there would be a section where someone is saving for aspecial purpose and we as a Family can help.Example: Sharon Whitcomb: cancelled stamps for 5 Star Senior Center(on Arsenal)Andy Wilder: soda tabs for the Ronald McDonald HouseLinda Therrien & Leslie Hill: caps for ScoutsWe can save Campbell labels and Box Tops 4 Education (found oncereal boxes and other items) for various schools.

The second idea is a Coupon Circle, where we exchange coupons.Everyone uses coupons. We would have a basket in Fellowship Hall.If you find a coupon you can use, then just exchange it with one thatsomeone else may use. Thus the name, Coupon Circle.

These ideas are simple and consist of items found in our daily lives.

Everyone receives mail so before recycling that envelope cut the stamp

off. Before recycling that can, remove the tab, same goes for that bot-

tle, save that top. Before recycling that Sunday paper or magazine,remove the coupons. This project will only cost you a little time but

you will be touching many lives.

Sharon Whitcomb

Help for a VolunteerHelp for a VolunteerHelp for a VolunteerHelp for a Volunteer


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Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!


J a n u a r y / F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 1J a n u a r y / F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 1J a n u a r y / F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 1J a n u a r y / F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 1 P a g e 3P a g e 3P a g e 3P a g e 3

From The Wilder View . . .I often notice that on some emails people will have a quote at the bottom of their email. Im sure youknow what Im talking about"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used

when we created them." Albert Einstein; orLittle Children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in

truth and action. 1 John 3:18.

There is one that I have thought about several times even after the email has long since been deleted

"Live like Jesus did, and the world will listen." - Mahatma Gandhi

It seems to me that this is a compelling critique of the institutional church.

There is a hunger that has been stirring in me for sometime about what it would look like if our

church were more like the early church. We would certainly have more people visiting with each other

in homes. We would have more prayer groups, and we would experience the mighty power of God

throughout our community and the world. We would see systems that have oppressed people for centu-ries fall away and I wonder could we? ...Just maybe, be more like the early followers of Jesus Christ.

At annual conference last year I heard Rev. Mike Slaughter, the pastor at Ginghamsburg Church, in Tipp

City, Ohio, speak about recapturing that passion and purpose of the early Christians. He has written a

book called Change the World, Recovering the Message and Mission of Jesus.

We are beginning the process of organizing small discussion groups to read through this book to-

gether as a Church during Lent. I invite you to begin to pray about this opportunity. Starting the week

of February 27th we will have a series of groups meeting at the church, coffee shops, and homes around

the St. Louis area. It will be a great time to meet new people and build friendships as well as look at

how we can be a stronger Church in 2011.

Please prayerfully plan to join me in this study and upon the next great adventure.

Blessings on the journey,

~Pastor Kathleen

Thanks to Kourtney and our Choir for the beautiful Holiday Music. Thanks to the WCDANs and Mike Owens who helped with Breakfast with Santa. Thanks to Sue Meyers and all who helped decorate the church for Christmas. Thanks to Sonny Burnside and Mike Brewer for decorating the Sanctuary balconies. Thanks to Steve Coffey and his crew for the special spruce up of the church in early December. Thanks to George Grove for keeping the boilers running, Thanks to Richard Eaton and his community service volunteers.

Thanks to Michelle Rotherham for coordinating volunteers for the Lafayette Park Winter Parlor Tour. Thanks to Bethany Spaulding for helping with our budget/finance. Thanks to Bill Byrd for always helping with our sound system needs and for printing the color edi-

tion of the December newsletter.


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Come join other United Methodists in Missouri to discuss howwe can make a difference in our church working for equality forAll of God's people.There is no charge for this meeting and everyone is encouragedto attend on Sunday, February 27th from 1 to 4 pm. It will help

us in our planning if youRSVP to [email protected] or call (314) 771-9214

Social Justice Issue To Be Addressed

Reconciling Methodists offer Workshop Feb. 27Lafayette Park UMC is a "Reconciling" United Methodist Church. Some of us may wonder what that

means. The short answer is it means we are welcoming to all people. The reconciling church movement isa group of churches who welcome Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered (LGBT) people. Theworld wide United Methodist denomination has language in theBook of Discipline that excludes LGBTpeople from serving in full capacity within the church. This is seen as exclusionary and not in accor-dance with Christ's teachings of inclusion and love. The reconciling movement currently has a member-ship of 400 churches and 5 of those are in Missouri. Centenary United Methodist Church was the firstchurch in Missouri to become reconciling. Lafayette Park United Methodist church became reconciling afew years later. When we became reconciling we created a welcoming statement that you will find in our

Sunday bulletin each week and on our web site." As a people of faith, we recognize the diversity of people created in the image of God.

We welcome to this congregation people of any age, gender, race, sexual orientation,

socio-economic status, health status and any element of humanity created by God."You will notice that our welcoming statement doesn't just welcome LGBT people but includes every-

one! That is what this is about, being welcoming for all. Everyone is welcome to the table and everyoneis part of the body of Christ. When we exclude some, even those we may see as undesirable we do notfulfill the promise of Christ that God is ready to receive us all.

Sadly many people don't come to church or participate in a faith community because the church isseen by them as hypocritical due to these exclusionary and seemly unchristian attitudes towards LGBTpeople. The reconciling movement is currently in the 4th year of a 5 year program to educate people onhow to tell their story regarding being welcome in the church and why it is important to them. The hope

is that as more and more people tell their story these limitations will be lifted at the general conference tobe held in 2012.

Visitors to LPUMC no matter what their orientation often tell us that the reason they came was be-cause we welcome all people. We do this so very well! Lafayette Park UMC has always been a leader inthe conference on how to welcome all people and I am proud to be a part of the congregation of LafayettePark United Methodist Church that not only welcomes me but welcomes everyone!

Article submitted by Daron Smith, a long time member of Lafayette Park UMC and President of the Church Coun-

cil. This Spring Daron and his partner Chris Finley will celebrate the 11th anniversary of their life commitment.


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Good Sense Financial CornerBy Bethany Spaulding, C.P.A., C.M.A., C.C.S.A., C.R.P.

January is the perfect time to take

a look at God's Word to see how

we are to handle our lives and fi-nances. We are to walk in love

and mercy with each other, give to

our brothers and sisters in need,

spend wisely and open our hearts

to give generously as God

leads. Let's all take time to reflect

on how we each can better align

ourselves to God's principles so

the door is open for miracles to

happen in 2011!

Tip Of The Month

What a blessing to share with you good news! Our efforts in 2010 really paid off...bymid-December 2010, we paid all of our apportionments/giving commitments to helpfund United Methodist outreach efforts throughout the world. This may seem normal;however, it is the first time that we have not had to make a special plea to meet these

giving commitments at the end of the year! In fact, it was only a few years ago, in 2006, that we paid100% of these commitments for the first time in about 40 years!

Since we made weekly tithe payments in 2010 on ALL giving to thechurch, we not only paid 100% of our commitments, but we increasedour overall mission/outreach giving by 25%, including support forHaiti relief and mosquito nets for Catembe, Mozambique. Members

also participated in the Juarez mission trip, work with Hodgen School,Loaves and Fishes giving, and many other outreach efforts in ourcommunity too numerous to name. We all made a conscious effort toreduce spending so that we could increase our giving and pay out-standing operating bills all while reducing our debt by over $28,000to a now minimal amount. Thank you so much to the many whoprayed, gave, and saved.Wow! God is truly amazing - when we align our activities, spendingand giving up with God's Word, the door is open for miracles to hap-pen! "Give and it shall be given to you, pressed down and shaken to-gether" is all about being able to meet the needs of our brothers andsisters as well as reach out to the world that needs to hear the goodnews of Christ.In the months ahead, we will address significant building needs inaddition to maintaining our focus on mission and outreach. This chal-

The Time is Running Out . . ....for the stained glass window on the east side of theSanctuary. We are raising funds to restore andprotect this beautiful old window. So we are

announcing our Flower Bulb Fundraiser!

GET READY TO GARDEN! SPRING FLOWER BULBS for SALE

JUST IN TIME for SPRING PLANTING!Pick up hard copy order forms at church to share with friends and family, or go to this link toorder bulbs & email this link to friends:

http://www.flowerpowerfundraising.com/campaign?campaign_id=4616

lenge is good because when we dream big, God has room to work - God works through us to be a churchwithout walls (reaching our urban community and beyond). It has been a blessing to serve with you in 2010,and let's believe God for great things in 2011!


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A Family Celebration

Pastors Stephanie and Kathleen begin the rite of Baptism for Tiyanna, Natalija,

Senija, and Teo (being held by his dad) The Habibovic Family is joined by the

godparents, Kevin & Ninfa Govero.

On December 19th the Habibovic Family cameto celebrate their new life in Christ. The motherSenija, the two girls Natalija and Tiyanna andtheir little brother Teo received the Sacrament ofBaptism.

The Habibovics are a gentle loving family, ener-

getic and charming, We are indeed fortunate towelcome them to our Family at Lafayette ParkUMC! Newly Baptised with Ognjen (Dad) and Godparents

Senija Habibovics friendship withMolly McBride has had dramaticresults. Mollys witness and lovefor her church inspired Senija toinquire about joining our church,the church of which Molly had sooften spoke. Molly loved thischurch so much and was so happyhere that I wanted that for myselfand my family, Senija told us.

Welcome Brendon, Joanna and Elliot!

The Ganning Family stepped forward to join ourchurch on December 5th.

We are happy to count Brendon, Joanna and their

son Elliot among our church family!


7/12

Mike Owens addresses workshop attendees. Mike is president of the

MOARA Education Fund.

December 6th close to 100 retired and soon to be retired listened to a series of presentations outlining the

history, efficacy and ethical need for the Social Security Program. For 75 years it has operated as a family

insurance program that serves and benefits individuals of all ages. In addition to being a retirement program

it provides a substantial safety net for 53 million Americans, including retirees, the disabled, children and

families. Social Security has kept countless people from abject poverty, in fact it is the most effective anti-

poverty program we have in this country.

Many myths and much misinformation have been spread by detractors of this valuable program. These were

discussed and debunked. For example, most people dont realize that Social Security has not added a single

cent to the federal deficit. The federal government doesnt fund Social SecurityAmerican workers do.

For more information contact the Alliance for Retired Americans at www.retiredamericans.orgOR call 1-888-633-4435

The Alliance for

Retired Americans

Holds Workshop on

Social Security



On December 16 Hodgen Elementary College Bound Academy (aka the Dragons)held an awards ceremony to recognize the people and organizations that support thechildren and their school.

Lafayette Park UMC received a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of all thesupport given by its members. Presenting the Award Principal Tsichlis said, Wetruly appreciate all you do to support and encourage our students. Your efforts arebearing fruit, positive test results this past year are evidence of that.(The certificate is posted on the bulletin board outside the office.)

Hodgen Elementary Shows Appreciation


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Ministry Teams at Lafayette Park UMC

AdministrativeChurch Council: Daron SmithBoard of Trustees: Steve CoffeyPublicity: Debra CroweFinance: Bethany Spaulding

Treasurer: Ross RotherhamFinan. Secretary: Maria LawrenceLay Leadership: Sharon DomkeParish Relations: Nancy Thuer

ProgramYouth Ministries: TBDEducation: Cindy PillowOutreach: Robin and Eric MerleMissions: Nancy Thuer; Larry Heugatter

Worship: Jeff Jensen; Sue MeyersMembership: Bill ByrdStewardship: Brenda CookMusic: Kourtney StradePreschool Liaison: Cindy Pillow

OtherConference Lay Member: TBDUnited Methodist Women: Jeris BeaneHistorian: Tom KeayWills and Memorials: Larry Heugatter

Wedding Coordinator: Lynne Keay



CHECK IT OUT!Breakfast served by the UMM2nd and 4th SundaysBefore Worship ServiceWebsite UpdateContinue to look for updates on thewebsite. Checkout the Yahoo photo

pages. Comments? Contact ChrisFinley at [email protected] and Toner Cartridges and CellPhones for Recycling - Dont forget tobring these items to the church of-fice! This helps our environmentalfundraiser.

Aluminum cans for Recycling Lookfor can collection bin in the park-ing lot.

Simple FundraisersSchnucks eScrip Card1. Pick up a Schnucks eScripCommunity Card at a Schnucks Ser-vice Desk or LPUMC office.2. Register the Card.

3. Show the Card at Checkout.

Macys Fundraising CardRegister your Macys card at

ship between us and the Earthwhich is often presented is one ofstewardship. That we are stewardsof creation brings in fundamen-tally the notion of responsibility,first to God as the one whosestewards we are - we are to lookafter the Earth, not as we please,but as God wants it looked after.Second, we have responsibility tothe rest of creation as ones whostand in the place of God.

Within creation there is enormous

potential to assist us in the task;

the pursuit of scientific knowledge

and the application of technology

are an essential part of our steward-

ship. A clear understanding of the

responsibilities we have been given

coupled with trust in Gods pres-

ence and trustworthiness is the mix-

ture that makes stewardship both

exciting and challenging.

Throughout our history, somehave looked after their environ-ment with great care making surethat they could pass their land onto their children and grandchil-dren in even better shape thanthey received it. Others haveexploited their environment fortheir own ends without thinkingof the future consequences, orhave been polluters of the air, theland or the seas doing damage

which in some cases has beenirreversible. We are aware of thecontaminated land and riverswhich remain a legacy of ourindustrial revolution.The relation-

Earth Care: The Christian Challenge of Caring for the Earth


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LAFAYETTE PARK UMC PRESCHOOLS

ANNUAL TRIVIA NIGHTAND SILENT AUCTION IS COMING!

Saturday, March 26, 20llstarts at 7:00 p.m.

Check out our new space!

IBEW Electricians Hall5850 Elizabeth Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110

(Just east of Hampton Avenue and 1 block south of I 44)

WHY ARE WE MOVING?

(More space; more restroom facilities; lots of parking;

handicapped accessible; better sound)

Now is the time to begin getting your table of

8-10 players ready to have a great evening!

Reservations will be taken starting in February.

The cost is $15.00 per person.

Prize for the best themed table!

This years theme: Fairy Tales

The preschool is looking for donations of prizes for door prizes

as well as items to be included in the Silent Auction. If you

have something to donate, please speak with Edna Coleman.

Edna may be reached by email, as well, at

[email protected].


10/12

Happy Birthday

January

James Butch Nichols (1)

Charli Schneider (1)

Lindsey Aude (4)

Brenda Cook (9)

Shelby Hileman (10)Mary Ann Patterson (18)

Richard Eaton (22)Chuck Lawrence (24)

Kelsea McBride (31)

February

John Durnell (2)

Cassandra Coleman (6)

Shawn ONeal (11)

Alicia Greene (12)

Rosemary Nichols (15)

Ann Frazier (16)

Robin Wiseman (16)Ruth Fuller (17)

Jack Greene (28)

J a n u a r y / F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 1J a n u a r y / F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 1J a n u a r y / F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 1J a n u a r y / F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 1 P a g e 1 0P a g e 1 0P a g e 1 0P a g e 1 0


For you big-hearted friends and relatives whoappreciate charitable giving, Gift Cards similar to thosewe offered at Christmas will be available year round tocelebrate any occasion.

Call the office for more information or to obtain a carddesignating the charitable area of your choice.

Office phone: 771-9214

Gift Cards

for

All Occasions

Sorry, if we missed

it...If you know of someone whose

Birthday or Anniversary missedthe listPlease let us know so wedont miss you next year.

Happy & Congratsanyway!

WOMENS LUNCHFebruary 23rdRosalitas Cantina

1229 Washington Ave. St. Louis, MOFor more information Contact:

Bethany Spaulding at [email protected] Vicki Dimmich @ [email protected]

Join us

MARCH 6th

For Our

In Fellowship Hall

After Worship ServiceA Bagel BreakfastSponsored by the WCDANS

Mardi Gras Celebration


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P a g e 1 1P a g e 1 1P a g e 1 1P a g e 1 1 L P U M C N e w s & V i e w sL P U M C N e w s & V i e w sL P U M C N e w s & V i e w sL P U M C N e w s & V i e w s


CalendarFeb 13 Men Serve Breakfast 8:15 9

Feb 19 Church Fix-up Day 8:30 1

Feb 20 UMW Ham & Bean Lunch

Served during Fellowship

Feb 23 Women's Lunch @ 11:30 amRosalitas Cantina

Feb 27 Men Serve Breakfast 8:15 9

Feb 27 Reconciling Ministries

Workshop 14 pm

Feb 27 All-Church Lent Book

Study Begins This Week

March 6 WCDANS Mardi Gras Party

After Worship Service

March 13 Men Serve Breakfast 8:15 9

March 20 WCDANS Bagel Breakfast

March 25 Pre-School Trivia NightElectricians Hall -7:00 pm

March 27 Men Serve Breakfast 8:15 9

February 6

Isaiah 58:1-9aPsalm 112:1-10

1 Corinthians 2:1-12Matthew 5:13-20

February 13

Deut. 30:15-20Psalm 119:1-8

1 Corinthians 3:1-9Matthew 5:21-37

Scriptures forFebruary

FEB. COVENANT PARTNERS

February 6Living Word UMC - Rev. Michael McIntyre

Manchester UMC - Rev. Gregory Weeks

February 13Maplewood UMC - Rev. Kim ShirarMt. Zion UMC - Rev. Keith E. Janis

February 20New Hope UMC - Rev. Quentin MaddenNorth Hills UMC- Rev. Gerald E. Moore

February 27North Park/Normandy UMC -

Rev. Ronald GrahamSt. Andrew UMC - Rev. Monica Jefferson

February 20Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18

Psalm 119:33-401 Corinthians 3:10-11,

16-23Matthew 5:38-48

February 27Isaiah 49:8-16a

Psalm 1311 Corinthians 4:1-5Matthew 6:24-34Matthew 2:13-23

Thank You From CindyWe created 290 sets of theme book,

pocket folder, 2 pencils, pen, glue

stick, pink eraser, and a set of 24

crayons for the children at Hodgen

School. Each of the 20 classrooms

got a box of tissues and a pump

bottle or hand sanitizer.

I personally want to thank all of you who participated

in the project. We began the work August purchasing

school supplies and each set was tied together with

green ribbon and the smaller supplies were in a ziplock

bag so it could be easily re-used as a pencil case. Also

included was a handwritten note of encouragement for

each child.

As always the congregation at LPUMC amazes me and

Im so proud to be a part of it.

Thank you all,

Cindy Pillow


12/12

Save these DatesFeb. 19 - Church Fix-up Day 8:30 1 p.m.

Feb. 20 - UMW Ham & Bean lunch during Fellowship

Feb 23 - Womens Lunch 11:30 a.m., Rosalitas Cantina

Feb 27 - Reconciling Ministries Workshop 1 - 4 p.m.

Week of Feb 27 - Lenten Book Study Begins - Details TBA

March 6 - Mardi Gras Bagel Breakfast @ Fellowship

March 20 - Bagel Breakfast @ Fellowship

March 25 - Pre-school Trivia & Auction @ Electricians Hall

If you are HIV+ or have AIDS,or are the friend or loved one

of a person who is HIV+ or has AIDS,you ARE welcome at LPUMC!

RMN MISSION STATEMENT:Reconciling Ministries Network is a national grassroots organization

that exists to enable full participation of people ofall sexual orientations and gender identities in the life of the

United Methodist Church, both in policy and practice.

News & ViewsLafayette Park United Methodist ChurchA VISIBLE SIGN OF CHRISTS PRESENCE IN OUR URBAN

COMMUNITY AND BEYOND.

Join us each Sunday

9:30am Worship Service

10:30am Fellowship Hour in

fellowship hall

As a people of faith, we recognize the diversity ofpeople created in the image of God.

We welcome to this congregation, people of any age, gender, race,ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, health status

and any element of humanity created by God.

Documents

LPUMC News & Views-Jan-Feb 2011