News from us [link removed] April 20, 2021

The Gathering Students Raises $10,700
for Fresh Water
[link removed]
Every fall since 2018, The Gathering Students youth group has aimed to raise $10,000-$12,000 to provide a well to a community in Mozambique. They’ve come close in years past but never raised more than $7,000. In fall 2020, the most unlikely of years, they met their goal, raising $10,700 for the Mozambique Initiative in just four short months. The Gathering Students Pastor Martin Leathers had committed to shaving his beard only if they hit the mark, so in early February he did, sharing the process with the group via YouTube video.
The students’ efforts are less a story of the power of wacky incentives and more a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of youth on a mission. They donated babysitting money and started Instagram businesses, selling masks, cards and embroidered goods. Local businesses hosted Mozambique Nights. They hosted a Christmas drive-in movie in the church parking lot.
[link removed] Read more about their efforts →
Upcoming Events
[link removed] Looking to start or improve your grief ministry?
Grief is a tricky topic, but it isn't one we have to navigate alone. Offering support is a community effort that can be intentionally fostered. On April 27, join Rev. David and Elaine Howlett for an introduction to building a supportive community around grief for local church pastors and laity.
[link removed] Learn More →
Upcoming Events
[link removed] April 28 - Virtual Run Alpha Training
[link removed] April 29 - 'I See You' Webinar with Rev. Tex Sample
[link removed] May 18 - MOAC 2021 Budget and Redistricting Proposal Q-and-A
See the full event calendar at [link removed] www.moumethodist.org/events

Featured Resource
[link removed] Creation Care Ideas
Earth Day is April 22, 2021. The United Methodist Creation Justice Movement is providing these tips as a tool to equip church members, families, and individuals to respond to God’s call to care for creation and do justice with our neighbors. For more about the UM Creation Justice Movement, go to [link removed] umcreationjustice.org. [link removed] Take me to the tips →
More Resources
[link removed] How Does a Church Become a Supportive Community
To help others through the re-opening of in-person congregational life, it is important to have a basic understanding of what is potentially going to happen when we start gathering face-to-face. Rev. David Howlett and Elaine Howlett, creators of The Mourning Center at Christ UMC in Independence, Missouri, offer thought about how to minister with those who are grieving in this resource.
[link removed] Five Quick Tips for Clergy Taxes Tax Day is postponed until May. Whether you’re preparing your own taxes using software like TurboTax or are working with a tax preparer, most clergy know that the special rules and exemptions for pastors aren’t always clear. Keep these personal income tax tips in mind when you’re preparing to file your 2020 return.
[link removed] Learn + Lead Podcast | Episode 22: Breaking Bonds with Brandon Murphy
Amid a pandemic, the idea of starting a recovery program for people struggling with addiction in Jackson, MO seems crazy but that’s exactly what the leaders at Breaking Bonds Ministry and New McKendree UMC did. See the full resource library at [link removed] www.moumethodist.org/resourcelibrary

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Missouri Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
3601 Amron Court, Columbia, MO 65202 | Phone 573-441-1770 | www.moumethodist.org