At UUMC

Worship

The central act for the community of faith at University UMC is the worship service. Our historic sanctuary welcomes our intergenerational faith family each week. The people of UUMC are known for their warmth to visitors, their openness of heart and mind and their appreciation of a spiritual worship experience.

Children are incorporated into the Sunday worship service through children's bulletins as well as a story time, when they are invited to the front of the sanctuary for a time that focuses on their needs. Following storytime, all children ages three through 2nd grade are invited to join leaders on the lower level in a children's worship time. Nursery care is provided for our youngest members, staffed with caring adults. Clipboards to encourage worship participation are available for children third grade and up.

Meaningful music and contemporary liturgy are woven into the service centered on strong preaching designed to connect the worshipping community to daily life issues.

Hearing assist devices are available for those who need them. An usher can help you. Handicapped access is available through the front of the sanctuary. The first Sunday of each month is a celebration of the sacrament of Holy Communion. As is true in all United Methodist churches, University UMC has an open table. This means that anyone who wishes to receive communion may do so, regardless of their church affiliation. Parents are encouraged to come to the communion rail with their children.

Each Wednesday evening, beginning Setpember 18, 2002, there will be a Taize worship service in our sancutary. This servie includes sung prayers, candle light meditation and the anointing of oils for healing. The service, which originated in Taize, France is intended to calm, center and refresh the mind and soul.

Childcare is avialable for young children at no cost.

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Fellowship

We really like being together! This unique intergenerational community of faith rejoices in the opportunities to spend time together. Laughter and conversation echo through the rooms as we gather for meals, receptions, and fund raisers. And there is nothing to compare to the connections made at the annual float trip held each June.

Sometimes we enjoy a pre-church breakfast together or gather for an easy hot dog lunch following worship. Sometimes we come together for a spaghetti supper or a simple soup and bread meal before our Lenten services.

Perhaps we meet briefly before a hayride at Forest Park, or simply enjoy each other's company as we chat over bagels and coffee following worship. Whatever the occasion, these are opportunities for us to catch up with each other and get to know new friends who have joined us for the first time.

Perhaps you are a "cropper". Join our scrapbooking group that meets the first Friday night of each month so you may keep up with your albums as you build friendships and get new ideas for you hobby.

From the Luau and the Float Trip to the Basket Auction and the Harvest Home Thanksgiving celebration, times together at UUMC are filled with warmth and caring.

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Education

Christian Education touches the lives of all children, youth and adults at UUMC. Sunday School for children provides in depth learning in a unique environment called the Rainbow Journey. As children rotate each week through drama, story, craft, music and video centers, they incorporate different learning styles, deepinging their understanding of the Bible.

Youth Sunday School focuses on active learning events to connect the Bible and the world to youth. Opportunities for unique seasonal studies provide variety and fun.

Adult Sunday School focues on three primary empahsis. A Bible study class is offered for those interested in spending a weekly time learning more about the scriptures. The Crosstalk class is less formal and focuses on discussion about contemporary issues. Short term classes that coincide with the children's rotation ( six weeks or four weeks) deal with indepth Bible study, social justice and seasonal studies.

Christian Education happens at UUMC in many different settings and at many different times. Disciple Bible Study is offered each year, with the study time chosen by a majority vote of participants. A short term Lenten study meets in the early evening, following a simple meal. Studies in Spirituality Formation, Wellness, and book discussion are a few of the opportunities available for adults.

An Annual Women's Retreat encourages all women of UUMC to spend a night away to study their faith, refresh their spirits and spend time in fellowship with other women of faith.

Summer Vacation Bible School is a highlight for the children of UUMC and the community as we spend a week together learning about God's love for us. An extended day option makes VBS a day care provider as well.

Sunday Learning Schedule
9:15 Intergenerational Gathering
9:30 Children:
2 yr. Sunday School
Journey to the Rainbow
(3 year old through 6th grade)
Jr. High Sunday School
Adult Sunday School
Bible Study
Crosstalk
Short Term Classes

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Children's Ministries

UUMC does not believe that children and youth are only the future of our church, we believe they are the present.

Children's programs include a rotation model Sunday School experience called "The Rainbow Journey." In four to six week units, children use multilple intelligences to learn one Bible story completely. Children's choirs participate in worship and special events. The Easter Eggstravaganza and Vacation Bible School are multi-age opportunities for children's participation. Fourth, fifth and sixth grade students are invited to participate in the Wannabe's, a monthly group experience for those not yet old enough for Jr. and Sr. High youth events. An addition, beginning in fourth grade, children are encouraged to be trained to served as acolytes in the worship service.

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Youth Ministries

Youth are confirmed at UUMC in 6th and 7th grade. This 13-20 week event is lead by clergy with assistance from lay members of the congregation. A kick off lock in and end of session retreat, plus a games and breakfast session provide opportunity for fun and fellowship as well as spiritual development.

Sixth through twelvth grade youth join together for Sunday School following the gathering each week.

Through the year Jr and Sr. High youth do several service projects and join together for monthly fellowship events. They may go skiing, skating, to a movie or driving go-carts. In addition, each Spring the youth plan and lead a Worship service for Youth Sunday.

Retreats and lock-ins, staffed by adults in the congregation with a commitment to youth, are scheduled each year.

OPENING
YOUTH DIRECTOR
UNIVERSITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

UUMC, a socially progressive church located in University City, a semi-urban environment in the greater St. Louis area, is seeking a part-time Youth Director to work with youth in grades 6-12. We are looking for someone who has the skills and enthusiasm to lead a diverse group of youth, to create trust and a strong sense of community and to enable them to grow spiritually. The position is for 20 hours/week and includes opportunities for additional training.

Duties:

• Develop and lead program and activities for youth (6th through 12th grades), including weekly Sunday School, regular (e.g., twice monthly) youth meetings and/or outings, fundraising activities, annual Youth Sunday service, and occasional retreats and other overnight events
• Plan and lead mission opportunities for youth, both locally and in other communities
• Maintain regular communication with youth and their families
• Mentor youth/parents and serve as a guide when asked
• Recruit, coordinate and support adult volunteers for youth activities
• Work with Director of Program Ministries to develop/adapt age-appropriate curriculum for youth
• Meet regularly with pastoral staff for ministry coordination, planning and accountability
• Grow the active membership in the youth program
• Address the issue of youth involvement through the high school transition.
• Prepare, develop and supervise youth budget

Qualifications:

• Energetic, open-minded, accepting and patient, with a strong ability to relate to a diverse group of youth
• Highly responsible, with strong organizational and communication skills
• High school graduate; bachelor’s degree or some college education preferred
• At least 21 years of age
• Experience working with youth or in youth ministry preferred
• Background in Protestant church preferred, with working knowledge of United Methodist faith and/or willingness to learn a prerequisite
• Willing to engage in continuing education to grow skills in youth ministry, as well as to develop theological depth

Financial Commitment: Salary depends upon the experience and qualifications of the person hired.

Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest, a resume and three references to officeadmin@university-umc.com or mail to University United Methodist Church, Attention Staff Parish, 6901 Washington Ave, St. Louis, Mo 63130. Applications accepted until August 10, 2007.

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Young Adults

Young adults make up the fastest growing population at UUMC. College students and young professional working adults gather together informally to share meals, social events, service and study. A monthly meal hosted by volunteers from UUMC is scheduled to begin each September. If you would like more information about activities for young adults, contact the church office.

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Music

Is it choral music that makes your heart sing? Or do handbells ring your chime? Whatever your musical interest, there is probably a place for it at University UMC. UUMC has built a strong tradition of church music for nearly a century. The Chancel Choir offers a musical experience for those who prefer traditional church music. The Chancel Choir also provides the bulk of choral music during our worship services and for special events.

Through their gift of instrumental music, the Lorraine Duggins Handbell Choir adds a unique dimension. This is an intergenerational group comprised of youth and adults.

The Covenant Chorus, with their tight harmony and more contemporary selections, delight the congregation and serve as a music mission when they sing in other houses of worship, nursing homes, in the community and at district or conference events.

Instrumental soloists range from our own children, who are becoming proficient on an instrument, to professional soloists from our community. A variety of strings, winds and brass accompany special seasonal musical offerings.

Children's choirs at UUMC provide a place for children ages three and up to lend their voices to praise and worship while building fellowship with each other.

You do not have to be a professional musician to be part of the choirs at University UMC, you just need the willingness to attend rehearsal and the heart to wish to praise God.

Musical Groups:
Chancel Choir
Covenant Chorus Lorraine Duggins Handbell Choir
Children's Choirs

Practice Schedule:
Chancel Choir: Wednesdays 7 PM
Covenant Chorus: Sundays 7 PM
Lorraine Duggins Handbell Choir: Sundays Noon
Children's Choirs: Sundays 10:00 AM

Please see Henry Glass, Director of Music, regarding opportunities for vocal and instrumental solo and ensemble events.

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United Methodist Women

Whether gathering for study, fellowship, business, service projects or fund raising, the United Methodist Women make a difference in the world while enjoying each other's company.

Through the year the UMW meets weekly for fellowship and study, monthly for business and regularaly for service projects and fund raising.

The semi-annual rummage sale has been a tradition at UUMC for decades and attracts large numbers of people from outside our church as well as our own members.

In addition the UMW performs much needed services such as sewing for organizations in our community and our own Sunday School projects.

This delightful group of women meets each Tuesday, with a seasonal breaks as noted in their booklet.

Weekly Meetings:
Tuesdays, 11:30 AM

Monthly Board Meetings:
First Tuesdays, 10:00 AM

Semi-Annual Rummage Sale:
First Weekend in October
First Weekend in April

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What Is Every Member in Ministry?

Every member in ministry is a model for doing ministry that involves every member of the congregation in an area of ministry for which they have a passion.

Why Do We Volunteer?
1st Peter 2:9 says, "You are God's chosen and special people. You are a group of royal priests and a holy nation. God has brought you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Now you must tell all the wonderful things that he has done." Each of us receives personal fulfillment from volunteering in service to Christ. But we volunteer primarily because Christ expects all who call themselves Christians to share the light of salvation with others. Sharing this light is called ministry.

What is "Ministry"?
"Ministry" is understood in the Bible as an act of service done for others in the name of Christ. The Bible also helps us understand that ministry is expected of all Christians. Each person at University UMC is a minister. In the Every Member in Ministry model, each of you will be a minister to bring the light of salvation to others. The staff is called to help train and equip the members of the church to do their ministries.

So Does Any Good Thing We Do Count As "Ministry"?
Sometimes we respond to our world by doing good acts without any special label. We are simply letting the values we cherish be known to others. "Ministry" however, is a service done explicitly in Christ's name. Out goal is for EVERY person at UUMC to volunteer in at least one ONGOING area of ministry each year. We also hope that you will choose at least one SHORT TERM ministry to be part of each year. When we do these ministries we hope to

1. Have fun.
2. Find a sense of being in a community and working together on something.
3. Discover gifts and graces we may not have realized we possess.
4. Participate in tasks that have significance to us, and others, and make a difference in people's lives.
5. Learn to be and make disciples; to live differently in this world than those people who do not know Christ and to help others learn to do the same.

How Does Every Member in Ministry Work?

1. Each year all ministry groups will evaluate the ministries they do. They will determine, given the level of involvement/interest in each ministry, which ministries they will continue and which need to be discontinued. Their decisions will be communicated in detail to the congregation. If a discontinued ministry is important to you, you are invited to come forward to lead that ministry. At that point the ministry will be put back in the "active" file. If there is no interest in continuing a given ministry, it will be discontinued for at least one year, or until someone chooses to give leadership to it.
2. Anyone who is interested in starting a new ministry, will talk with the Director of Program ministries to determine where is will be given support. The chairperson of that ministry group will be contacted. If the proposed ministry fits our mission statement, fits the ministry of that particular group and has funding, the ministry may be started immediately.
3. The chairpersons of ministry groups will meet quarterly to coordinate efforts and consider where they may cooperate in ministry efforts. Each ministry group will meet as needed.
4. Each program ministry will be communicated to the church council, as well as the congregation through the visitor, bulletin boards, reports at council meetings and through the Web site.
5. Each ministry group will budget extra funds for new ministries to develop throughout the year. Chairpersons will assess budgets at least quarterly, or more often if they prefer, to assure that their group is working within the budget approved by the church council.

SO WHAT ARE SOME OF MY CHOICES FOR MINISTRY AT UUMC?
Below you will find a partial listing of the ministries of University UMC. This list is continually changing as new ministries begin and ministries end. Pray about these and any other ministries you believe God has called you to do in Christ's name as a reflection of your faith.

CHILDREN'S COUNCIL
Volunteer as Nursery Coordinator
Help Coordinate Fall and/or Spring children's events

EDUCATION
Sunday School: Volunteer to teach Sunday School
Rotations for children
Youth
Adults

Attendance monitor
Leadership for Adult Short Term Studies
Coordinator for Christmas Creations
Coordinator for Easter Eggstravaganza
Coordinator for Vacation Bible School

Crafts leaders
Music leaders
Story leaders
Games leaders
Snacks leaders
Age Level Leaders
Publicity Coordinator

Lead Children's Church One Month a Year

Coordinate Children's Church
Curriculum Recruit leaders for Children's Church

FELLOWSHIP
Hot Dog Lunches Sept. 8
Spaghetti Supper. Basket Auction-October
Harvest Home Dinner-November
Chocolate Auction-December

Help plan menu
Shop for food
Help prepare food
Set tables
Serve food
Clean up

HEALTH PROTECTION SERVICES
Set up examination space each month
Provide medical expertise
Help clients with paper work

INVITING MINISTRIES
Write welcoming notes to new residents
Prepare visitor packets
Provide nametags for existing attendees
Provide nametags for visitors
Follow up with phone call
Follow up with Visitor Newsletter and postcard
Follow up with letter
After three weeks regular attendance, put on Visitor list
Coordinate Publicity Efforts
Coordinate small groups to introduce new members to others
Maintain UUMC Web Site
Prepare seasonal and activity brochures and publications

KIDS PLACE
Onsite leaders for children

Monday 3:30-5:30
Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30-7:30
Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30-5:30
Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:00-7:30

Prepare Snack and Dinner Menus
Shop for and Deliver Food to Church
Assist in writing grant proposals
Help with Fund Raising

MISSIONS
Coordinate or help coordinate one of the following Mission Ministries:

Accion Social Comunitaria
Appalachian Service Project
Bread Run
Church Door Help
Clothes Closet
Covenant Chorus
Festival of Sharing
Gathering Offering
Genesis House
Kingdom House Christmas Gift Store
Meal-a-Month RED
Mozambique Covenant
Noisy Offering
One Great Hour of Sharing
Peace with Justice Sunday
Share a Christmas RED
Souper Bowl of Sharing YELLOW
Topical Bible Studies
Volunteers in Mission

MUSIC
Sing in Chancel Choir
Sing in Covenant Chorus
Sing in Children's Choir
Provide Instrumental Solos
Provide Vocal Solos
Accompany Musical Groups
Ring Handbells in Handbell Choir
Help Lead children's choirs

OLDER ADULT MINISTRY
Make phone calls for phone reassurance program
Volunteer to drive older adults to and from church and church functions
Coordinate program activities for older adults during the week
Coordinate conference phone worship and/or study

PRAYER MINSTRY
Coordinate Prayer Group
Organize Prayer Chain
Maintain list of prayer needs from Prayer cards
Publicize prayer ministry and recruit others to pray
Gather with prayer group each Sunday following worship to pray for others

WORSHIP
Purchase Supplies for Communion each month
Coordinate Special Worship Visuals, i.e. flowers, altar arrangements
Coordinate Church Season Visuals, i.e. Advent/Christmas, Lent/Easter, Pentecost
Coordinate Worship Banners, purchase, storage and display
Recruit, Train and Schedule Ushers
Recruit, Train and Schedule Acolytes
Coordinate Children's Story Time
Coordinate Children's Worship Materials

Children's Bulletins
Older Children's Clipboards

Keep all Worship Materials and Supplies in working order, including liturgist robes, acolyte robes and candle lighters, altar candles, microphones
Coordinate Sound System

YOUTH
Lead Sunday School
Provide Leadership for lock-ins
Provide media and technical help for presentations
Be a mission trip leader
Be a leader for district and local events such as hay rides, skating, skiing, etc.
Assist for youth fundraising events:

Cookie baking
Car Washes
Bake Sales

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