Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer
Dexter, Missouri – The community is invited to attend an evening of music with the 1st United Methodist Church with "A Voice of Praise!” featuring the Chancel Choir under the direction of MaryRuth Boone.
“We learn in the Old Testament that we are to sing praises to God,” Boone said. “Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.” This is according to the psalmist who wrote in the 47th chapter in the Book of Psalms. This should be an evening of uplifting music to carry out that purpose.
MaryRuth said, “This is a wonderful, talented, dedicated group of individuals who love the Lord, love music, and love our community. It’s for a little boy fighting cancer who has family in the community.”
This is a benefit for the family of 3-year-old Drew Albritton. He is the son of Elizabeth (Carroll) and Mike Albritton and they live in O’Fallon, Missouri. Drew also has a sister that is only three months old and is named Reese.
Drew’s Mom, Elizabeth, is the daughter of Dean and Carolyn (Hill) Carroll of Dexter. Elizabeth graduated from Dexter High School. She and her brother, Clay, grew up in the church and sang in the Chancel Choir as teens. She recently retired from teaching at T.S. Hill Middle School and has now taken a leave of absence from her current teaching position.
Drew was diagnosed in July of 2012 with Neuroblastoma, a rare cancer in children. It occurs in less than five out of ever one million children each year. He has had six rounds of chemotherapy, two major surgeries, numerous hospitalizations and will undergo a stem cell transplant on February 28th. He will spend about a month in isolation at the hospital. Then after all that, he will receive six weeks of radiation followed by months of immunotherapy. Too much suffering for a child of his age, but he is a strong little fellow!
He has already fought such a hard battle with this cancer and has a very long road ahead. His parents’ Mike and Elizabeth are both teachers. She has taken a leave of absence from her job and Mike has already missed all the work he can for now.
“Our community is trying to let them know that we care about them and want to raise money to help them in any way they can.” Boone state. “We want to show our love and support, and to let them know we love them and that we pray for them each and every day.”
The First Methodist Church invites everyone to come hear some great music including performances by vocal soloists and a rousing piano performance.
The event will take place on Sunday, February 24th at 6 p.m. The program is free to the community. The First United Methodist Church Agape Circle will serve refreshments in the Wesley Hall after the benefit.
Drew is a beautiful young boy who is fighting a brave battle against a terrible disease. Please come out and give a “love offering” during the event.
If you want additional information or just want to make a donation, please call 573-624-3344 or 573-820-3516. The Dexter community wishes Drew and his family the best.
If you would like to send a donation or even a get-well card, you can mail them to Drew Albritton, 1044 Golden Orchard Drive, O’Fallon, MO 63368. All your generous donations, gifts, cards and prayers will be greatly appreciated.
Dexter, Missouri - Six Dexter area residents have ventured to the mountains of Haiti to help build homes and share with the people the good news of Jesus Christ. When they return ShowMe Times will have a full update of their experience! Watch this short video of their most talked about ride of all time. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/embed/JTZ7M4nMDlw
Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer
Dexter, Missouri – If you missed Third Day performing their hits from The Miracle Tour, Wednesday night at Cape First Church, then you will have to wait a while before seeing them this close to home. They will launch their concert tour and will be traveling to the larger cities of Memphis, Dallas, Atlanta, Nashville and Chicago.
However, one young man, had the opportunity not only to see the concert, but he got to meet the band. Joe Rice, son of Heather and Loyd Rice of Dexter, Missouri traveled to Cape Girardeau to see the concert. Joe was able to chat with the band members and he even had his drumsticks signed by the lead singer, Mac Powell. This was an evening he will not soon forget!
Joe also got to hear “American Idol” finalist Colton Dixon sing on stage during the concert. “It was awesome,” Heather stated, “WOW!”
If you get the opportunity to hear this group, you won't want to miss the chance. To find the nearest concert or access the best seats go to their website www.ThirdDay.com. Their music is truly inspirational.
Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer
Dexter, Missouri - 1st United Methodist Church of Dexter will be hosting a Financial Peace University. Financial Peace University is a biblically based curriculum that teaches people how to handle money God’s ways. Dave Ramsey designed this life-changing class.
According to him, we all need a plan for our money. Financial Peace University will teach you practical steps to get from where you are to where you’ve dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, mange your money, spend and save wisely and more.
This is a nine week class on each Tuesday evening at 7 pm beginning January 8, 2013 through March 5, 2013. The class will be taught in Wesley Hall. Log on to http://www.daveramsey.com to learn more about the class and how sign up.
If you have questions concerning the program or just need more information please call 573-624-3344 or contact Sam Powell at 573-421-0908. The class is open to anyone, so invite your friends and family.
Article by SMT Writer
May All Your Dreams Come True!
Many people are busy holding on to all the good ideas that we refer to as our New Years Goals and Resolutions. How's it going?
Some will argue that making goals that often fall short is a exercise in futility, however, maybe not. The most important step of any accomplishment is to establish what it is that you want. To make a goal is always the most important step of the process.
Studies have shown that a goal that is established and repeated often enough has a high percentage change of actually occurring. At that point, your New Years Resolution turns into a decision.
Any New Years Resolution is simply a plan. If you stick to it, you will find success.
John Maxwell once wrote about the motivation often found in those that wish to reach a specific goal. He shared that goal setters begin to sense the victory of the successful completion of their goal. They become energized as success nears and begin to smell the victory at hand.
No matter if your goal is the traditional New Years weight loss, or to get in better shape, or a greater dedication to your Church activities, it is a good idea to stick to a few basic rules to help assure success. One of the keys is to breakdown the goal into smaller bites of short term, intermediate and long term objectives.At that point, follow these five steps to better enable your chances to achieve your desires
- WRITE DOWN YOUR GOAL: No matter what your goal, it is essential that you write down your goal in a place that you see it often.
- DREAM YOUR GOAL: Remember - "What the mind can conceive, the person can achieve". You must be able to see the successful completion of your goal.
- QUANTIFY YOUR GOAL: Be specific by adding your time frame intervals and a completion date to your goal.
- IDENTIFY OBSTACLES: You should plan ahead to avoid situations that work against your achieving your goal. You can't lose weight and go to a smorgasbord.
- ACCOUNTABILITY: Identify a trusted friend that will keep a check on your progress toward your goal. (Proverbs 15:22)
- RESEARCH & UNDERSTAND: Make sure you do your homework to create the best path to success. Understand what you with to achieve.
- PLAN OF ACTION: Create a specific plan that you can measure your progress at different intervals.
Remember, most goals require hard work, stamina and time to achieve. Avoid the frustration and have a single mindedness toward your goal, constantly keeping it on your mind. Speak of it morning and night to remind yourself of your determination toward the goals successful completion.
And remember, no one wants to hear you whine or complain about the experience of your path toward your goal. As the old Indian Chief stated in the Outlaw Jose Wales film, "Endeavor to Persevere"!
One idea to consider is that many goals require that you "Pay The Price". In reality, the successful completion of your goal will truly allow you "Enjoy The Benefits of Achieving Your Goal"!
