You may have wanted to help our backpack program and the kids it helps, but the scheduling didn’t work.  You may have wanted to support one of the other community/youth programs we have, but for whatever reason, couldn’t. Here is a way you can help!

The schools are having their book fair.  This brings a wonderful variety of worlds into their hands.  Some kids, however, can’t afford a book.  That is where you can help!  The book fair is in April. We’re a little late getting started, so they really need you to prayerfully consider supporting this.  Bring your donations into the church office.  You can change a kid’s life.

Monday evening at 7:30 you are invited to join us to discuss how to make the prayer ministry of SUMC more meaningful and effective.  Ideas include a new prayer chapel as well as specific times and activities.   Hope you can join in.  Can you hear me now?

Would you like to deepen you knowledge, be a better speaker, and equip yourself for service?  How about attending an official Basic and Advanced Lay Speaker Course?

• Sat, March 27^th at Boliver United Methodist Church – 8:30am-5:30 pm – Cost is $30.00 – lunch included  (Register and pay before March 19^th)
  - Basic Course: “Leading, Caring, & Communicating”
  - Advanced Course #1: “Our United Methodist Heritage
  - Advanced Course #2: “ United Methodist Theology, Doctrine, & Polity
• Sat, April 17^th at Ozark United Methodist Church – 8:30am-5:00 pm – Cost is $30.00 – lunch included (Register and pay by April 1^st)   
  - Basic Course: “Leading, Caring, & Communicating”
  - Advanced Course: “Each One a Minister: Using God’s Gifts for Ministry”

If you need more information or registration forms contact Dixie Norfleet at the church 729-4551.

We held our first Povery Simulation Tuesday evening, February 23.  Kim Edwards brought a staff of 20 volunteers and gave us a hands-on awareness of poverty and the challenges poverty presents.  The evening was such an eye-opener to the difficulties and obstacles poverty presents.  I pray that this will help us make a more significant difference in our community.

Cross-training (also known as conditioning) refers to training in different ways to improve overall performance. It takes advantage of the particular effectiveness of each training method, while at the same time attempting to neglect the shortcomings of that method by combining it with other methods that address its weaknesses.

Easter is Sunday April 4, join us to cross train for the day!

Salem R80 cancelled school today, Wednesday, February 10, 2010 due to inclement weather.  Our policy is to follow the lead of Salem R80, thus there will be  no dinner or other activities at Salem United Methodist Church tonight.  The parking lot is a sheet of ice, if you stop by the church, please be careful.  Additionally we have started phone tree, but if you know someone that doesn’t have access to email, or might not hear the message, please pass this along.

The relay for life meeting that was scheduled for February the 4th is rescheduled for Thursday, February 18th @ 5:30 & 6:30.

Worship Team has been cancelled for tonight, Monday, February 8th due to snow.  Salem R80 dismissed school at 1:00, thus we are following suit.  Stay in, stay warm and safe, we will notify you when the meeting is rescheduled.

Alzheimer’s disease touches the lives of many in our community.  Folks often don’t know how to handle it or simply need someone to talk to.  On Thursday, February 11th, the Salem UMC, in affiliation with the Southwest Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will host a support group at the church beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Anyone who is a family member, friend, or caregiver to someone suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease is welcome to come and learn more about the disease, care options, and experience mutual support from others dealing with this devastating disease. Each meeting is free and open to the public. For more information contact Rose Kinerk at 573-729-6818.

You may have read about it in the Salem News, but the Backpacks of Love program Salem UMC is involved in has gotten a huge boost!  Salem Memorial District Hospital will serve as fiscal agent to help get grants for Lovepack Backpack Program to feed hungry school children on weekends.

Hospital directors approved the proposal during their regular board meeting Jan. 21. The presentation was made by Dent County Healthy Communities (DCHC) Chairman Ray Walden and Council for a Healthy Dent County and Lovepack Program organizers Jann Craig and Liz Gruendel.  Hospital Director Judy Thompson recommended that SMDH support the project as fiscal agent.

“Knowing what this program is doing for some children in our community, why would everyone not want to be involved in this wonderful program,” Thompson said. “It will truly touch ones heart and make a difference.”

Craig said the Backback Program currently provides non-perishable food that is sent home each weekend with about 70 school children who need it. Currently the program is funded by local donations from individuals and businesses. Backpack meals cost about $9 each and additional funding sources are vital to keep the program going.

If approved, the first grant would be used to help support the Dent County Backpack Program. The grant would be for a three-year period and the group will be requesting $125,000.

If you would like to support and/or participate in this powerful community program, please contact the church office for more information!