The group was led by four church leaders in the actual ceremonial act. Reverend Fred Leist (District Superintendent), Barb Capps (wife of the late Gary Capps, Co-Chairman of the Capital Fund Drive), Tony Thorn (Chairman of the Sanctuary Building Committee) and Larry Smith (Chairman of the Fellowship Building Committee) all joined together to light the mortgage papers and place in the bucket in front of the group.
Buddy Heaton, Dale and Cissy Williams and Annette Lumsden provided several song and hymns for the group and many stakeholders, both past and present stepped to the podium to share their joy and excitement about this milestone.
"I shared with Gary Capps that if we were able to pay this off in 15 years we would be doing good," commented Bill Aslin, Co-Chairman of the Capital Fund Drive. "To do this in only 7 years is a remarkable miracle."
Larry Smith delivered some humor to the event as he discussed his past expressions at meetings that "he hoped the Church would get on fire for the Lord". He further noted that he didn't mean to actually have a fire in the Church.
The Church was honored by the attendance of Bishop Robert Schnase. Bishop Schnase has served as the Bishop for the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church since 2004. This Missouri Conference includes nearly 900 congregations with 175,000 members, offering ministry through local churches, colleges, campus ministries,social services and mission projects throughout the world. The Church was truly inspired by his message entitled, "Nibbling Our Way Lost".A reception followed shortly after the ceremony and closing benediction in the fellowship hall. Mrs. Trish Vandeven made a most beautiful and delicious cake for everyone. Also a very special thanks to Rosemary Walker who brought it all together. Elizabeth Williams stated, "What a great program put together by Miss Rose." and Barbara Rice also commented, "She is a stellar planner, whatever the occasion!" Cathy Chasteen took some fantastic pictures of the ceremony and dedication and posted them on the Trinity United Methodist Church facebook page.
This was truly a blessed event. What a wonderful day everyone had praising God and dedicating the church to God's purposes. No one realized seven years ago that they could have managed such a miracle by paying off the mortgage so soon. So many people had faith and worked very hard to ensure the success of the church and its congregation.
There are so many magnificent and committed people in our community who want a place to worship and feel welcomed. Trinity United Methodist Church opens its doors to anyone who wishes to be faithful to God.
For Additional Pictures: Go to the Trinity United Methodist Facebook Page by clicking HERE!
Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer
Southeast Missouri – Before the Christian band Third Day hits the road again in the spring to launch The Miracle Tour you will have the opportunity to see them right here in Southeast Missouri. They are a great group of gentlemen from Atlanta, Georgia and there is no denying the power of music.
Cape First Church in Cape Girardeau, Missouri has a concert scheduled, you do not want to miss. Third Day will be performing their hits from The Miracle Tour on Wednesday, January 16, 2013. The concert will begin at 7 pm; however the doors will open at 6 pm.
Featuring “American Idol” finalist Colton Dixon and Josh Wilson a singer-songwriter, they will tour mostly major cities like Memphis, Dallas, Atlanta, Nashville, and Chicago before wrapping up their tour in May.
Their latest album, Miracle is full of life-affirming lyrics based on their faith and is their 12th album. The album’s title track and first radio single, was inspired by a conversation the band had with a couple from New Jersey after a concert. “Their son was in a really depressed place in his life. He drove into the woods to commit suicide and he turned on the radio. The boy heard “Cry Out to Jesus” and it literally change his heart and gave him encouragement to keep going. Lead vocalist Mac Powell took the essence of that story and penned the song, “I Need a Miracle”.
“Music can truly spark a miracle, you just have to listen and believe,” states Powell.
Cape First is located at 254 South Silver Springs Road in Cape Girardeau. Tickets are $25.00 in advance or $35.00 at the door. You may gain access to some of the best seats in the house by going to their website www.ThirdDay.com or iTickets.com. Tickets are also available at the church, Lifeway Bookstore, Paul's Bookstore in Sikeston. You may also order by phone at 1-800-965-9324.
Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer
Dexter, Missouri - The American Legion Post #59 of Dexter, Missouri established a Disabled Veterans Wildlife Facility on the farm owned by Tom Love. Many disabled veterans have hunted, camped and just spent hours enjoying the peacefulness of this beautiful and breathtaking hide-away located just north of town.
One of the veterans who truly enjoyed using the facility was Mr. Ed Gayle, a WWII veteran who served in the European Theatre where he received his Purple Heart. He loved the outdoors and made several trips out to the facility always enjoying the fresh air, the smell of pine and watching deer and turkey.
Ed was the former owner of Gayle’s Jewelry in Denver City, Texas for 47 years, a former city council member and mayor of Denver City as well. Mr. Gayle was also very patriotic and one of his most wonderful experiences was getting to place a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery while he was on the World War II Honor Tour in 2007. He enjoyed many things in life, mostly the outdoors, horseback riding and farming.
Mr. Gayle attended the First Baptist Church in Dexter, Missouri where he was a member of Bob Coffey’s Sunday school class. With Ed’s passing in November of 2011, Bob’s Sunday school class wanted to do something special in his honor. They began raising money to donate to the Disabled Veterans Wildlife Facility where Ed had spent so much time.
A plaque was made in his honor and Ed’s wife, Dolores, was flattered to hear the news. She wanted the plaque to remain in the cabin to give recognition and honor to the Disabled Veterans Wildlife Facility and the American Legion Post #59 as Mr. Gayle was such a strong supporter of this project. The money raised by the Sunday school class was also donated and will be used for projects to help disabled veterans enjoy what the facility has to offer.
This week Mrs. Dolores Gayle along with American Legion Post members Mr. Darryl Lapierre and Mr. Jim Adams took the plaque to the Disabled Veterans Wildlife Facility. Mr. Bob Coffey from the First Baptist Church Sunday school class was on hand as well to honor such an amazing veteran and outdoorsman.
Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer
Dexter, Missouri - The First Baptist Church of Dexter has been steadily collecting non-perishable food for the Stoddard County Gospel Mission. During the Holidays we think about those that are less fortunate or are having a difficult time. We forget that there is a need year round and that the Stoddard County Gospel Mission never stops helping.
This wonderful project is not just limited to the church. Suzanne Collier stated, “We want the community to be involved, since the Mission serves the entire community. Everyone can get involved and bring a grocery bag filled with food.”
The First Baptist Church will continue their food drive each Sunday until their goal of 10,000 pounds is reached. The Church received approximately 1500 pounds of food this past Sunday. Many people even took bags home to bring back food.
There were young volunteers like Mason Keena, Ryan Collier and Garrison Collier on hand to greet the church members and carry bags of food from their vehicle to the collection trailer. This is a community effort and it helps teach young children the importance of giving and helping those in need.
Dave Fleming, Maintenance at First Baptist Church, has set up a Christmas tree with 10 rows of lights (1 strand for every 1,000 pounds of food collected) and the rows will be lit as the food comes in. The Christmas tree is set up in the atrium of the First Baptist Church on Castor Street. If you get a chance when you donate your food next Sunday, visit the atrium and see the beautiful decorations.
For those of us who are truly blessed this Christmas season, remember those that are less fortunate. With your kind gesture of giving, you will show compassion and love and warm many hearts this year.
Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer
Dexter, Missouri – First Baptist Church is having a food drive to support the Stoddard County Gospel Mission. Their goal is 10,000 pounds of food this holiday season.
The Stoddard County Gospel Mission is in great need of food. Approximately 1200 families come monthly to the mission. Please help us show the Mission how grateful we are for the work they do every day in feeding those in need and being a light in the darkness for Christ.
Bring your canned goods Sunday, December 16th between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. The “Pack a Sack” trailer will be at the church atrium entrance at 11 West Castor Street. Financial donations are also accepted, payable to the Stoddard County Gospel Mission.
Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor. Proverbs 22:9
