A while back, we were asked to help out with the Fall Book Fair at the Upper Elementary School.  Well, folks, you pulled together and God has blessed your efforts!  Mrs. Ball at the Library there called to let us know that our church was so generous last fall that they don’t need money for the Fall Book Fair!   How awesome is that?!

Don’t get too comfortable – there’s still a great need in our community.  The Spring Book Fair and January school supply drive is coming fast and your support will be needed.   Thanks again to all who contributed to this outreach.   God is GREAT!

THIS SUNDAY AND NEXT HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED AS “UNDIE-SUNDAY” — SUPPORT OUR LOCAL KIDS GOING BACK TO SCHOOL

Our church has committed to providing underwear and socks for needy children in our community. This is YOUR chance to make a difference in a very practical way.

There’s not a lot of time before school starts so PLEASE stop by the display at the south entrance to the church on Sunday morning or stop by the church office and pick up the information needed so you can shop for as many children as you are able and bring the items to the church by Monday, August 9th.

This is an ambitious project but WE CAN DO IT! Let’s all MAKE A DIFFERENCE together!

Phelps County Regional Medical Center will offer a Safe Sitter class for boys and girls ages 11 to 15 on Aug. 2 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Education Classrooms.   The Safe Sitter program is a medically accurate program that teaches young adolescents how to handle emergencies when caring for younger children. Thousands of young adolescents across the country have been trained by Safe Sitter instructors to handle life-threatening emergencies. During the course, students get hands-on practice in basic lifesaving techniques so they are prepared to act in a crisis.

Safe Sitters also receive helpful tips to make them more confident caregivers. They learn safety precautions, how to handle children of different ages, and even the business of babysitting. To successfully complete the Safe Sitter program, students must pass rigorous practical and written test to show they have mastered the key concepts and have the skills necessary to handle an emergency.

The cost for the class is $50. To register your son or daughter or your child’s babysitter, call 573-458-7692 before July 30.

Yes, it’s that time again, folks!  It’s Back to School!  We are participating in the community’s program that provides schools supplies to the kids.  Hey, times are tough for everyone!

The event will be held at the Old City Hall on July 29th.  To avoid overcrowding, please follow this schedule:

• 10am – Noon: Families with head of household with last name A through M
• Noon – 2pm: Families with head of household with last name N through Z

All children receiving supplies must be present!  Please pre-register with Kim or Debra at the South Central Missouri Community Action Agency, 1405 S. Wine St. 729-3500 x 13.

It's the little things!

They’re cute!  They’re cuddly!  Yes, you’ve seen them in the South Entrance and in the Sanctuary, but did you know they’re also an important ministry here at Salem UMC?

These little cuties are a simple outreach to anyone who needs a little fuzzy hug to make them feel better.  This unique and touching ministry was started here back in 2005 and has spread as far as Texas and California.

It may seem like such a little thing, but sometimes it’s the little things that can show someone who’s hurting the love of Christ.

If you’d like to be a part of an adorable outreach ministry, please contact the office.  You’ll be touching hearts!

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BACKPACK PROGRAM
The Sonic Drive-In is joining the Christian Women Working Together in a campaign to help feed kids.

On June 9th and June 10th 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sonic in Salem is going to donate 10% of all sales to the Backpack Program.

PLEASE come out to Sonic and help support the local Backpack Program.
10 % of sales help feed hungry kids!

Help US to FIGHT HUNGER LOCALLY!
The CHRISTIAN WOMEN WORKING TOGETHER are sponsoring a fundraising campaign to benefit the LOVEPACK BACKPACK PROGRAM.

PLEASE Support these activities through June 25th:
**Quilt Raffle for donations at Bank of Salem
Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5 – Drawing June 25th
** Yard Sale & Baked Goods by Mt. Hermon Church at
Hubbs Tire Parking Lot – June 5th
** Yard Sale by CWWT Friends @ United Methodist
Church West Entrance Parking Lot – June 12th
** Sonic Drive-In donating 10% of sales 5:00-11:00 pm
June 9th & 10th. Eat out at Sonic and help feed kids!
** Donations being collected at these local merchants
Country Mart, DeWayne’s Tire Shop, Melear’s Fabric,
and Phil-Mart. Drop your change in the jars!
** Celebration Picnic to end campaign at City Park
on Friday, June 25th at 5:30 p.m. – Come and
learn about the program and celebrate what’s
been done! EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

A very special program from the Missouri Humanities Council will be taking place on June 8th and 15th at 6:30pm at HeadStart.  The Read From the Start  is a program for parents (and grandparents) to help the little ones they care about be empowered by reading.

Refreshments will be served and there’s even a $30 stipend to help cover childcare or transportation.  This is an opportunity to make a big difference in a kid’s life.  You’ll even take home 7 FREE books! 

Sign up by calling Kim or Debra at 729-3500, extension 13 or 14

Last Sunday, we were treated to a wonderful Easter cantata by the Chancel Choir and the Praise Band.  Coming up on April 11th, the King’s Kids will present their musical offering, “Alive Forever!” during BOTH SERVICES (10:30 and 11am)!  Please pray for them!

For parents, they’ll rehearse: Wednesday (the  7th) 5:45 – 6:45 pm and Saturday (the 10th) 9:00 – 11:00 am.

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.