Pastor Allen Howell

Church Telephone

(417) 345-7645

Website: http://buffalounitedmethodistchurch.org/

Email: bumc@pipinternet.com

Church Office (Pastor) Hours:

Monday-Wednesday                                  Thursday                                   Friday

8:00 A.M. – 12:00 Noon                                 Visit                                        OFF

We invite you to get acquainted with our Sunday School classes for all ages, groups for men, women, and youth, Wednesday night Bible study, and other opportunities for growth and service.

SUNDAY SCHEDULE

9:30 AM………….Sunday School

10:45 AM ……………….Worship

NOTE FROM THE PASTOR

I have read a lot of news letter from other churches and see where the pastors seem to think the church members want to know about their illnesses and vacations and personal stuff. I may be wrong but I told myself that I would not do that. You folks hear enough about what I do from daily conversations. But this one I am going to share something that each of us has, or will, experience point in our lives. As you know Leona’s mother passed away. Her mother asked recently why we use that phrase “passed away”. Can’t we just say we died or went to heaven or to be with the Lord? I assure you we used “went to be with the Lord” at her funeral. But I digress, the point I wanted to share with you is this. When I was asked to “preach her funeral” as they say, I did not know if I could. But I remembered something that happens to the Howell family each time we lose one of our members. We all agree that we should stay in touch more – call each other more often – visit more because we are getting fewer. I thought that should be shared. Leona’s son Robert shared some of his memories at grandma’s funeral and admitted that some of the things he said should have been said to grandma before her death – not wait until after. We all do that too often. We care for each other and have so much to say but it seldom gets done. Then when it is too late we feel guilty because we failed to say the things we “intended” to say…I never told Frances Southard that she was like a mother to me. She would like to have heard that but, just maybe, it’s not too late. Maybe she heard me just now. What do you think?

Please read the below read the poem below and see if there is something that you can use. Call someone and tell them you are thinking of them and praying for them. May God bless you all.

If Tomorrow Never Comes

If I knew it would be the last time that I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.
If I knew it would be the last time that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss and call you back for one more.
If I knew it would be the last time I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would videotape each action and word, so I could play them back day after day.
 If I knew it would be the last time, I could spare an extra minute or two
to stop and say "I love you," instead of assuming, you would know I do.

If I knew it would be the last time I would be there to share your day,
well I'm sure you'll have so many more, so I can let just this one slip away.
For surely there's always tomorrow to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance to make everything right.
There will always be another day to say our "I love you's",
And certainly there's another chance to say our "Anything I can do's?"

But just in case I might be wrong, and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you and I hope we never forget,
Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight.
So if you're waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes, you'll surely regret the day,
That you didn't take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone, what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today, whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them and that you'll always hold them dear,
Take time to say "I'm sorry," "please forgive me," "thank you" or "it's okay".
And if tomorrow never comes, you'll have no regrets about today.

Submitted by: Pastor Allen

The Church Council met Monday, June 16, 2008 in the Family Life Center with 12 members attending.

The minutes of the May council meeting were approved as corrected. The May Finance Report was reviewed and filed for audit. 

The Trustees held their Work Day.

Missions collected $104.20 from the pop machine.  We received a silver sponsorship award and a bronze team award for our participation in the Relay for Life.  We raised $1753.  Overall the Dallas County Relay for Life brought in just under $50,000, which was $13,000 more than last year.

We have a member who is willing to purchase 500 color postcards of the church and provide 100 stamps for church members to send out to encourage attendance.  An announcement will be made when the postcards are available.

Lydia Circle raised $331.45 at their Bake Sale.  Wal-Mart will be matching that amount.  They will be going out to eat and then hosting the June Birthday Party at Colonial Springs on Friday.  They presented the men of the church with candy on Fathers Day.

There will be a VBS meeting for everyone willing to help on June 26^th at 6:30 pm at Grace Community UMC.

Sunday school attendance is down as is worship attendance.

At Pastor Allen’s request the adult Sunday school class entered the sanctuary last Sunday as if they were first time visitors.  Their suggestions and comments will be passed on to the Trustees.

There will be no council meeting in July.  Our next council meeting will be Monday, August 18, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

Submitted by Carla Deckard

FINANCE REPORT

General Budget Income:

June 1, 2008                $1389

June 8, 2008                $1806

June 15, 2008              $1644

June 22, 2008              $ 965

weekly   average        $1451

We need $1334 per week to meet the 2008 General Budget. 

Other Contributions received during the above period included: Building Fund $595 . Our monthly loan payment is $867.  Sound System Fund $90.

ATTENDANCE

Worship    SS School

June 1, 2008      61         19

June 8, 2008      63         26

June 15, 2008    59         20

June 22, 2008    62         23

       Average      61        22

Lord, bless all who worry, who are in pain, who are suffering, who have lost hope, who are lonely, depressed or in grief. Fill them with your light, your love, your healing and great joy. Bless and protect us all.

Please keep the following list of people in your daily thoughts and prayers.

·         Allen and Leona Howell and Family

·         Arva Rieschel

·         Chris Lyall

·         Evelyn Holt

·         Freda Jennings

·         Hadley and Hazel Thomas

·         Hanna Dill and little Emily

·         Jack and Juanita Freeman

·         Kesha Schader

·         John and JoAnn Alford

·         LaJune Southard

·         Lloyd and Joan Compton

·         Lucille Scott

·         Margaret Corbett

·         Mark Heady and Family

·         Max Trader and Family

·         Patty Case

·         Ralph Moyle

·         Rhonda Dougan

·         Roy and Amanda Heinz

·         Russell Dougan

·         Virginia Rose

·         Warren and Millie Garrison

·         Zelpha Hatfield

·        The Men and Women in Military Service

Our President of the United States and Congress

To have a name added or removed contact the editors.

The Buffalo Masonic Lodge will be hosting the MOCHIP event in our Family Life Center on July 26 10am – 3pm.

What is MOCHIP?

MOCHIP is a comprehensive child identification program designed to give Missouri families a measure of protection against the ever increasing problem of missing and abducted children. MOCHIP stands for MissOuri CHild Identification and Protection Program. The program uses a computer disc to provide information to the parents. Microchips are not used in the program.

Missouri Freemasons are bringing this program to communities throughout the State. The Missouri Masonic Children's Foundation, the sole sponsor, is working with local Masonic Lodges to provide consistent and comprehensive MOCHIP events as part of their ongoing commitment to Missouri's children and families. This program is provided "FREE OF CHARGE" to every Missouri family who participates.

How does it work?

The program consists of five major components:

·         Digital Photographs

·         Digital Fingerprints

·         Child Information and Emergency contacts

·         Dental bite impression

·         Two (2) laminated ID cards

We ask that all participants fill out a Permission Form to participate in the MOCHIP event.  Parents or guardians then fill out the Information Collection Sheet with information about their child. All information is voluntary.

The digital photographs, digital fingerprints and Child information and emergency contacts are given to the parent or guardian of the child on a mini-CD computer disk. The information on the disk is compatible with the format required by the "AMBER ALERT" program.

The dental bite impression provides an impression of the biting surface of the child's teeth, which like fingerprints, are unique to each individual. The dental impression collects enough saliva to provide a DNA sample and a source for a scent for trained canine search and recovery teams. Together, these five measures provide a powerful and recovery tool.

The Masonic Children's Foundation retains no information concerning the children; only the signed permission form is retained by the Foundation.

Who can participate?

Any child from the age of 0-21. Whether it be from Missouri or bordering states, or visiting relatives for that matter, MOCHIP will process any child. Our goal is to keep kids safe!

Information for this article was taken from the Masonic website. www.mochip.org

“Surfin” through the Scriptures

This year’s vacation bible school will be a joint effort with Grace Community United Methodist Church. VBS will be held Tuesday, July 29 through Saturday, August 2 6 – 8:30 pm.

Tuesday – Thursday

Children will enjoy “surfin” through scheduled rotations of Crafts, Music, Snacks and Games. All activities will be scripture based while having beach fun.

Friday

Our annual Ice Cream Social will be held with the children performing an informal production. The children will meet in the Fellowship Hall at 6:00 and move to the Family Life Center for their production at 6:15.

Saturday

The last day will be “fun in the sun”. We will close VBS at the Buffalo City pool with swimming from 4-6 pm and a small cook out from 6-7. Hot Dogs and a beverage will be provided.

For additional details regarding Vacation Bible School please contact Jennifer Sharp, Gene Moyle, Carla Deckard, Ricky or Ilene Rose.

Ice Cream Social

Remember that the Ice Cream Social will be August 1^st from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. More information and details will follow through out the remaining portion of July. Items such as ice cream freezers, rock salt, ice, cream, etc. will be needed for the event. Watch for signup sheets to volunteer needed items and time. For additional information please contact Jennifer Sharp.

Name                          Date

Tim Erickson               3

Letty Beem                 4

Fran Chandler             9

Sandy Hatfield           9

Ruth Phillips               9

Erma Phillips               15

Clell Spoering             15

Grace Erickson            21

Mert Littrell                22

Melissa Elia                 23

Ilene Rose                   23

Evelyn Holt                 29

Charles Knowles         31

JULY ANNIVERSARIES

Name                                 Date

Frank & Ellie Miller            20

Kevin & Robin Sharpe        28

This month we are continuing the information series on the active committees within our church by highlighting the Lay Leadership Team.

The Lay Leadership Team

or Committee is responsible for filling the leadership positions in the church. 

The major responsibilities are:

1)  Assist persons in the congregation to identify their gifts and skills for service

2)  Assist in the nurture and development of Christian spiritual leadership

3)  Identify and recommend persons for service in the various ministry areas

4)  Equip by training and support

5)  Deploy persons for effective witness and service in ministry tasks

6)  Identify competencies needed for a variety of ministry tasks.

These responsibilities are especially important to secure the best persons for the elected leadership in our church.

The Lay Leadership Committee consists of not more than 11 members, 9 of which are elected by the charge conference. In addition the pastor and the lay leader are members.  All members must be full members of the local church.  Of the 9 elected, one must be a young adult (aged 18-30) and one must be a youth (aged 12-18).  The pastor is the chairperson.  The committee is responsible to the church council and to the charge conference.  Members are elected for a term of three years.

Current members are:

Chairman – Pastor Allen Howell; Vice-Chairman – Jack Freeman; Lay Leader – Ricky Rose; Members: Jon Chalker, Charlene Hardison, Ruth Phillips, Cheryl Eversole, Kevin Sharpe, Justin Clark, Ilene Rose, Bernice Spoering.

Submitted by: Carla Deckard

President Jon read to us from Psalm 49:10. For all can see that all men die; the foolish and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others. Jon went on to tell us about the percentage of people who prefer flying versus traveling by car. I have flown enough and I am use to traveling with goodies that I hear are not allowed now. But back to the scripture reading; Jon said that we are mislead by false things we call- possessions. When the only thing that has worth is our trust in God; Amen to that. Jon asked for a vote on whether or not to join the “General Commission ofUnited Methodist Men”. We voted no.

God Bless all.

Submitted by Pastor Allen

On June 20, 2008  Lydia Circle members and one guest, Flora Miller, met at Maple Street Grill for our annual lunch gathering.

Following lunch we had our regular monthly meeting at the Family Life Center.  The meeting was called to order by president, Donna Wilkins.  Donna also gave the opening prayer followed by the group repeating of the purpose.

Role was called by secretary, JoAnn Sanders

Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

Treasurer, Carol Ayers, report was also read and approved.

We had a brief discussion regarding the bake sale.  The sale was very successful.  We netted $332.45 and that amount will be matched by Wal Mart.

Donna provided the devotion, reading an essay about “Mustard Seed Faith”.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.

The group then went over to Colonial Springs to help residents celebrate their June birthdays.  The Circle brought small birthday gifts, Carla played the piano for group singing, and birthday cake and ice cream was served.

Respectfully submitted,

JoAnn Sanders

FLC – Family Life Center

FH – Fellowship Hall

S – Sanctuary

July 3               Thursday

10:00 A.M.      Summer Library Program (FLC)

July 8               Tuesday

8-10 PM          Square Dance Club (FLC)

July 9               Wednesday

6:30 PM          Fellowship Supper (FLC)

July 10             Thursday

10:00 A.M.      Summer Library Program (FLC)

1:30 P.M.        Lydia Circle (FLC)

July 17             Thursday

10:00 A.M.      Summer Library Program (FLC)

July 18             Friday 

7:00 P.M.        Hood-Brower Wedding Rehersal (S)

July 19             Saturday

4:00 P.M.        Hood-Brower Wedding & Reception (S & FLC)

July 20             Sunday

7:30 AM          UM Men’s Breakfast

July 22             Tuesday

8-10 PM          Square Dance Club (FLC)

July 24             Thursday

10:00 A.M.      Summer Library Program (FLC)

July 26             Saturday

10 AM-3 PM   MO Chip Child Identification (FLC)

July 27             Sunday                                   

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

NOISY OFFERING

July 29             Tuesday          

6-8:30 PM       Vacation Bible School at Grace Comm. UMC

July 30             Wednesday    

6-8:30 PM       Vacation Bible School at Grace Comm. UMC

July 31             Thursday        

6-8:30 PM       Vacation Bible School at Grace Comm. UMC

July 31             Thursday        

10:00 AM        Summer Library Program (FLC)

August 1         Friday             

5:30-7:30 PM  Ice Cream Social

For July & August

Sandy Spencer - Chairperson 

Juanita Freeman         

Dorothy Hicks           

Viola Noland                         

Gladys Snider            

For phone numbers and other contact information please refer to your church directory or contact the church office.

July 6

Greeters:                      Faye Peters

Head Usher:                 Clarence Hardison

Side Usher:                  Volunteer Needed

Liturgist:                      Cheryl Eversole

Children’s Time:          Faye Peters

July 13

Greeters:                      Ricky and Ilene Rose

Head Usher:                 Pete Boland

Side Usher:                  Ellie Miller & Clarence Hardison

Liturgist:                      Andrea Miller

Children’s Time:          Frances Tribon

July 20

Greeters:                      Darlene Swanson

Head Usher:                 Lamont Swanson

Side Usher:                  Cheryl & Earl Eversole

Liturgist:                      Shirley Glazier

Children’s Time:          Volunteer Needed

July 27

Greeters:                      Dorothy Hicks & Viola Noland

Head Usher:                 Lavelle Deckard

Side Usher:                  Dorothy Hicks & Viola Noland

Liturgist:                      Ruth Phillips