Dexter, Missouri - Church Women United (CWU) is a racially, culturally, theologically inclusive ecumenical women’s movement which was founded in 1941.  While no longer officially affiliated with the national organization, the Dexter area CWU continues to be an active organization in the community.

The local organization is made up of churches from Dexter and surrounding communities.  The group meets quarterly, with member churches rotating as host.  CWU supports various charities in the immediate area, while promoting fellowship and friendship among its member churches.

Among the organizations that benefit from the CWU are the Gospel Rescue Mission, the Stoddard County Children’s Home, Mother-to-Mother, and Feeding Christ’s Children—the summer food program.  The organization is open to women from all churches in the Dexter area.

Shown in the photo: Jean Whittenberg from the Gospel Resuce Mission explains how school supplies are collected and distributed in Dexter and the the Mission’s outreach facilities in Advance and Puxico.  CWU collected school supplies for the Rescue Mission prior to the beginning of the 2015-2016 school year.

Article and photo submitted by Nancy Vines.

Dexter, Missouri - The quarterly meeting of Church Women United will be held Friday, November 13, 2015, at First Baptist Church in Dexter. 

All area church women are invited to attend this meeting.  The organization is open to all churches in Dexter and the surrounding communities.  Currently churches from Dexter, Essex, and Bernie are represented in the organization.

The meeting will begin with brunch at 9:30 A.M., followed by a short business meeting and program.  This month’s speakers will be Roxanne and Greg MGhee.

Members are reminded to bring Best Choice labels to turn in for redemption.  The service project this month is the Stoddard County Gospel Rescue Mission.  Members should bring stuffing mix, instant potatoes, and/or chicken broth, which will be donated for the Rescue Mission’s annual Thanksgiving baskets.

Church Women United meets quarterly on the first Friday of the month.  Member churches rotate hosting the event.  This month’s meeting date was changed due to a scheduling conflict.  Anyone with questions may contact Nancy Vines at 624-6127 or at nancy.vines@yahoo.com

Dexter, Missouri - Living Water Worship Center (LWWC) will be hosting the Shine Effect at the October 7th Celebrate Recovery meeting. The Shine Effect is an energetic 3 piece Christian rock band from Jacksboro, TN striving to serve God and minister to others through music. The band consists of Josh Roberts (vocals/guitar), wife Christa Roberts (drums), and brother Ben Roberts (bass/vocals).
 
The band released their first full length self-recorded album “The Life. The Hope. The Journey.” in May 2011 and since then they have played over 400 concerts with many great bands. In March of 2013, The Shine Effect released their new 6 song album “With Open Eyes” which was recorded at The Sound Lair in Knoxville, TN. As of January 2015, The Shine Effect started playing acoustic concerts as well!
 
The Shine Effect gets their name from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:14-16. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
 
The Shine Effect has taken this verse to heart and tries to truly be that shining light in a dark world. Their passion is to encourage the church and reach out to the lost through music and love, while making many new friends along the way!
 
They have performed at over 60 Celebrate Recovery gatherings and Bryan Gentry the Stoddard County Celebrate Recover director said, “We are really excited to have the Shine Effect coming to our Celebrate Recovery meeting and want to invite anyone who needs God’s redemption along with those struggling with addictions as well as our young people in the Stoddard County region to come and hear their redeeming message in music.”
 
Who: The Shine Effect
What: Celebrate Recovery
When: Wednesday October 7th at 6:30 pm
Where:  Living Water Worship Center 18094 Hwy 25 Bloomfield, MO  63841

Article Submitted by Rod Jetton.

Dexter, Missouri - The Sweet Prospect General Baptist Church young adult Sunday school class will be starting a new study titled, Forever, why you can’t live without it.
 
In this new study Paul David Tripp will answer questions such as:
 
Why is it so hard for us to be satisfied? What do so many of our marriages struggle? Why do we have such a hard time getting along with family and friends? Why are we in so much debt? Why do we stand in front of full closets and say we have nothing to wear?  Why do we look into fully stocked refrigerators and say we have nothing to eat? Why do so many of us spend more than we earn? Why do we struggle with envy? Why do people disappoint us so much? Why does life in the here and now never seem to deliver what we hoped it would? Where do you go to find answers to questions like this? What helps you understand life?  
 
Tripp says, "We are all looking for meaning and purpose in our life. No matter who you are, where you are, and how old you are, you long for the perfect world and struggle with the fact that the address where you live is anything but perfect."
 
In Tripp’s video and book he points out that we can find the answer to these questions by focusing on eternity or forever. The class will study and explore the possibility that maybe this present life is not a destination, but a preparation for our final destination.  Young Adult class leader Rod Jetton said, “We will consider that how we live our lives has real consequences in the next. We will learn that God created us to live forever and that we can't make sense out of our present life without considering eternity.”  
 
Pastor Ray Rowland mentioned, "The first class will start this Sunday at 9:45.  A light breakfast with donuts, coffee and orange juice will be available.  We also have children's classes for those who have kids." There is a $10.00 charge for the class to help defray the costs of books and videos.  If you cannot attend the first week don't worry, this is a study you can drop into anytime and not miss a beat.
 
It is a ten week study and each Sunday participants will watch a short video then join a group discussion on the key points.  During the week students will also be reading the book, "Forever, Why you can't live without it."
 
Jetton added, "I've enjoyed reading the book, and watching the videos.  It really helped me reflect on my life and what is really important.  I'm looking forward to going through the class with others were we can talk about life's big issues and encourage one another."
 
Sweet Prospect is located at 1201 E. Elk St. in Dexter across from Tyson.  The class starts at 9:45 am on Sunday Morning's before their worship service at 11:00 am.  The "young" adult class is for married couples or singles ages 20 to 50.  For more information call, text or email Rod Jetton at 573-225-4444 or rodjetton@gmail.com               
 
Jetton concluded, "If you are looking to join others who are searching for the right answers to the big questions in life while trying to make a positive difference, then I hope you will consider attending our class.  We are far from perfect, but we are a small and friendly bunch that cares greatly for one another."

Dexter, Missouri - Close to 100 people attended the Prayer Walk for Dexter Public Schools on Tuesday evening.

Roxanne and Greg McGhee held the 3rd Annual Prayer Walk at Southwest School parking lot.

"It's back to school time and we begin a new school year with many concerns, apprehensions, and hopes," stated Roxanne.  "What better way to begin this school year than to begin in prayer?"

Her husband, Greg, serves as the youth minister at First Baptist Church in Dexter; however the Prayer Walk is open to anyone and is completely independent of any one church. 

"It’s about community and our faith in God," commented Greg.

“Lord, we pray that you will grant our educators wisdom as they deal with an ever-changing society.  Help them to remember that every effort is an opportunity to change a life, to inspire, to energize, to bring out that special gift you You have blessed to each and every one of us.”
 
Several were on hand to help pass out a typed prayer guide prior to walk.

Below is a copy of the hand-out that fits all types of education.

Students (Southwest and Central):  Desire to honor God above all else, Sweet attitude toward others, Submissive spirit toward authority, Choosing to follow God rather than follow others, Best effort for God's glory, Self-control, Discerning heart for truth (versus non-truth), Godly friend choices, Begin a good influence on their friends, Protection and safety (including physical and spiritual).

Students (Middle School and High School):  Desire to honor God and walk consistent with their faith, An awareness of being an ambassador of Christ, Developing Godly friendships and relationships, Wisdom, Resist temptation and a desire for purity (both in thoughts, online and sexually), Respond well to pressure and hardships (academics, relationships, tests), Transitions from building to building, changing schools, changing districts, Safety at school, during athletics, while driving.

Teachers:  Wisdom in preparation (content, time management), Graciousness toward students (poor attitudes, disobedient, disrespectful, when sinned against), Patience with struggles (with getting the content, with life in general), Handle stress in a Godly manner as it builds up throughout the year, Purity with other teachers (friendships, attitude), Choosing to be a mentor to the children who are paying attention, Kindness, tenderheartedness, and love, Ambassadors of Christ wherever they are.

Support Staff (cooks, cafeteria, transportation, office, paraprofessionals, counselors, maintenance, custodial, safety officers):  Awareness of the necessity and importance of their positions - often the first person with whom students, staff and the public interact, Servant spirit, God-honoring relationship with students, Patience with all types of constituents, Godly communication with each other and other constituents, God-honoring conflict resolution, God-honoring attitude under pressure, Safety.

Administrators:  Respond Godly to authority (the board of education other administrators, head masters, legislature, Department of Education), Lead by Godly example, Exhibit servant leadership, Engage others with general grace, Empathy with parents, Respond to the pressure from various constituents, Wisdom related to curriculum (common core debate, state standards, etc.).

Volunteers (in the classroom, outside the classroom, in the offices, with coaching, PTA, PTO, and more):  Servant and selfless spirit, awareness of ministry opportunities as they present themselves (maybe as simply as a smile or a word of kindness), Sweetness of spirit toward others, Gospel and Christ-centered intention, Resistance to entertaining gossip, Deaf ear to politics.