SE District Office Staffing Announcement

We welcome Kristy Almeda to the Southeast District Office.  She will be joining Bev Rhodes and Lisa Conley on the District staff as a part time administrative assistant.  She recently relocated to the Cape Girardeau area from Memphis TN where she was born and raised.  She has three amazing children, and is blessed with 2 grandsons, 6 and 2 yrs. old and a granddaughter on the way.  Her hobbies include fishing, camping, gardening and spending time outdoors, and of course spending time with the grandchildren. Kristy will be answering the phones at the District Office plus many other responsibilities.  

How To Count Webinar

Since the pandemic took church online, the worship counting landscape has changed and brought with it new questions. Join us at 1 p.m. on February 21 for a short webinar with Conference Treasurer Nate Berneking in which he’ll share a revised set of worship counting protocols and address common questions. Local church leaders will learn best practices and how this data can evaluate the health of their congregation both now and in the future. Learn more and register at

Many Grant Programs – Same April 1 Deadline

Whether you’re planning a new place for new people, mission project or other ministry project, there’s a grant for that!  Missouri United Methodist Churches can apply for funds through several grant programs supporting local ministry projects. Each program has a different focus and requires a different application. Learn more about each at the links below:

• New Places for New People: The Center for Congregational Excellence is accepting grant applications from now until April 1 from churches that are establishing new places for new people in the six categories of small group, recovery ministry, Fresh Expression, new worship service, collaborative parish, and new church or multi-site. For more information and to get started on the worksheet go to www.moumethodist.org/newplacesgrants

• Missouri UM Foundation: A Foundation Ministry Grant can help jump-start a new ministry, address a special project or need, and affirm the work and initiatives of your church members. The fall deadline is approaching.  Learn more and apply online at:https://mumf.org/churches-organizations/ministry-grants/

Free Six-Week Lenten Series

Using content from Season 3 of the Faith and Race podcast, this series emphasizes self-examination, repentance and reconciliation through the lens of the prophetic witness of five historically Black Missouri United Methodist churches. This six-week study includes weekly message themes, titles, texts and teaching points, kids’ message starters, prayers, image suggestions and small group discussion starters. Learn more and get the free resource →     

 Early Response Team Basic Trainings-Cape Girardeau MARCH 18
We’re excited to announce three in-person Early Response Team Training dates this spring! This is the perfect opportunity to get engaged in disaster response work. Join us in person in Springfield, Cape Girardeau or Kansas City this spring! Space is limited to 20 participants per class. Learn more and register at https://www.moumethodist.org/eventdetail/17192478?month=2&year=2023&day=1&display=m

2023 Lenten Worship Resources

Want to explore Lent with your congregation but need some resources to get you started? Discipleship Ministries has compiled a fantastic worship series complete with preaching notes, graphics, youth lessons, suggested hymns and more. Discover how Lent can be the perfect time to journey inward and move outward as you learn to share Christ with the world. Go to https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship-planning/learning-to-live-inside-out.

MOAC Awards Nominations Due February 15
Every year the Missouri Annual Conference celebrates and honors the ministry of churches and United Methodists across the state through the MOAC Awards. You’re invited to nominate an individual or church for their work in mission, discipleship, evangelism, or inclusiveness, justice and worth. Learn more at www.moumethodist.org/moac-awards.

29 Ways to Participate in Black History Month

Black History Month is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate and reflect upon the remarkable contributions African Americans have made to American history. No matter who we are or what our background is, Black history is a part of our history. Through its R2 Hub, The General Commission on Religion and Race has provided 29 unique ways to participate in Black History Month and make a difference in your community. Go to  Go to https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/29-ways-to-participate-in-black-history-month. 

 UNITE Virtual Info Sessions – February 13 and 16

We hope you’re making plans to join us this summer at UNITE, a United Methodist youth conference held July 17-21 on the campus of Central Methodist University. Got questions? Join us at a virtual info session. RSVP at https://www.moumethodist.org/eventdetail/17297094?month=2&year=2023&day=1&display=m