Pastor’s Note
Each week Sr. Pastor, Greg Weeks shares what’s on his heart. His messages both inform and inspire. Subscribe and stay ‘in the know’ about all things Manchester UMC!
Important Updates - For today’s eblast, I wanted to highlight some important updates, since time is moving more quickly as we near Advent (can you believe it?). See you Sunday, Pastor Greg Acts Of Compassion For one of… … Learn more
Atheism & Faith - I hope you’ve seen the publicity for Atheism & Faith In Today’s World, an event that is very timely and informative on a number of levels. This Sunday, Nov. 11, starting at 7 p.m. in… … Learn more
Let’s Talk About Sin - I hope the subject line of this post, Let’s Talk About Sin, caught your attention! Starting this Sunday, in traditional services, I’m beginning a series titled, SECRET SINS: Things Moses Never Thought Of. We live… … Learn more
A Magic Television - In my sermon a couple of weeks ago, I wondered what our church ancestors would have felt if they’d had a magic television in the Chapel they built in 1856. If this magic television could… … Learn more
From the Past Will Come the Future - This title of this article, “From the Past Will Come the Future,” is from one of my favorite hymns, “Hymn of Promise.” Over the last couple of weeks, some events happened that really bring to… … Learn more
Stay Strong - Manchester UMC is called to stay strong! This is the period of time when we faithfully dream of our ministries for next year, and how to fund them. It’s also an opportunity to take stock… … Learn more
Where We’re Going - Today, I'm writing about who we are, and where we're going. Last July, Pastor Jim Peich reminded, and updated, us on the six vision priorities we’ve established that will take us through 2021. Here’s a… … Learn more
LGBTQ Update - I want to keep you up to date regarding LGBTQ and the General Conference that will meet in February, here in St. Louis. It will decide the United Methodist Church’s stance on human sexuality. The… … Learn more
Youth Center To Get New Look - One of the priorities funded by our 'Unfinished' stewardship initiative was the renovation of the youth ministry area. I’ve asked Phil Estes, Pastor of Administration, to give us the latest. --Pastor Greg Grace and Peace… … Learn more
Wednesday Meals Makeover! - Our famous “Meals and Ministries (M&M)” will be starting on Wednesday (Sept. 12) next week, and there are important changes. In our on-going quest to continually make things better, we are launching some exciting new… … Learn more
Facebook Live Starts Sept. 23 - We are VERY excited to announce that we'll soon be streaming our worship services on Facebook Live! Although I mentioned it in last week's eblast, I’d like to give you some more background, and a… … Learn more
I Love Donuts and Jesus - A few Sundays ago, an usher handed me a piece of paper. On it was printed, from a child’s hand, that wonderful line 'I love donuts and Jesus.' I’m sure our Donut Ministry folks are… … Learn more
Reflections From Writing A Book - When I last sent an eblast your way, I told you my plans to take the month of July for a study/renewal leave. My goal was to write a book based on the Faith and… … Learn more
Circle of Friends Gears Up A New Year - Editor's Note: With Pastor Greg away on renewal leave, we have guest writers throughout July. This week we welcome Renee Taylor, Circle of Friends Preschool Director. Hello Friends, The start of the school year is… … Learn more
No Place Like Home - It’s hard to believe that I’ve just begun my 11th year of full-time ministry as an associate pastor at Manchester UMC. How blessed am I? I’ll tell you, more blessed than I can express in… … Learn more
2021 Plan Progresses - Editor's Note: With Pastor Greg away on renewal leave, we have guest writers throughout July. This week we welcome Pastor Jim Peich. Manchester UMC Friends: I hope this note finds you well and enjoying your… … Learn more
Young Adult Happenings - Hey Church Family! Some of you may have noticed that I am spending a lot less time in the pulpit these days. That’s because I am digging deep into the position I was originally hired… … Learn more
Lighting the Way - Editor's Note: With Pastor Greg away on renewal leave, we will have guest writers throughout July. Pastor Phil Estes kicks us off. Jesus said: “You are the light for the whole world. A city built… … Learn more
Time To Write A Book - Every four years our Book of Discipline allows a pastor to take a spiritual growth/professional development leave of four weeks. The time is worked out in consultation with the bishop, the district superintendent, and the… … Learn more
One of My Favorite Weeks - It struck me that, given my last name, this title could be interpreted as singling out a relative! I’m not doing that, but I am singling out a Manchester UMC program that is an annual… … Learn more
Annual Conference Update - This past weekend the Missouri Annual Conference was held in Springfield. Pastors and lay delegates from churches across Missouri met to conduct the business of the Conference (accepting reports, approving the budget, commissioning candidates for… … Learn more
Our Stories - Stories are what bond people together in a community. They let us see just how many things we have in common with each other. They start conversations that open our hearts and minds to a… … Learn more
Summer Reading List - So, what are you going to do while relaxing on the beach or napping in that condo this summer of 2018? Here are some books I’ve been reading over the past months, and perhaps you’ll… … Learn more
eNews Sign-Up - Stay in the know on all things related to Manchester UMC! Sign up for weekly editions of eNews, distributed via email on Fridays. You'll also receive Pastor's Note, the weekly blog from Sr. Pastor Greg… … Learn more
Methodism and Social Issues - United Methodism is intentional about addressing social issues in light of faith values. Recent events reflect this. Regarding Missouri House Bill 1936, which would allow concealed weapons in places of worship, our Bishop, Rev. Bob… … Learn more
Meet Our Young Adult Interns - You may be noticing some new faces around here, perhaps assisting in worship or leading programs. We are delighted to have these young adult interns working with us in a variety of ministries. We’ve been… … Learn more
Modern Worship Update - Editor's Note:Manchester UMC tested the concept of moving Modern Worship to Fellowship Hall for the month of April, 2018. After the pilot, the church decided not to pursue the concept, leaving Modern Worship in the… … Learn more
Our Manchester UMC Identity - If someone asked you, what’s special about your church, how would you answer? I’m guessing answers would vary. Responses could include worship, music, children/family emphasis, mission opportunities, fellowship groups…you get the idea! While we may… … Learn more
Two Important Announcements - I’d like to call your attention to two very important items regarding our church. First, we have a Confirmation Service this Saturday (April 14), 11 a.m. This is a moving worship experience that celebrates our… … Learn more
New Director of Missions - Manchester UMC is delighted to welcome our new Director of Missions, Autumn Dennis! I’ve asked Autumn to provide a brief introduction: Hello everyone! I am a graduate of Vanderbilt Divinity School and a current student… … Learn more
Modern Worship Moves to Fellowship Hall - Over the last few months we’ve occasionally held Modern Worship in Fellowship Hall. The feedback we’ve received has been very positive. So, during the month of April, Modern Worship will be there for the 9:30… … Learn more
Faith and Atheism: New Sermon Series - How can you develop a faith that can stand the test of both your reason and your experience? This has been a lifelong quest for me, frankly, and I think it’s timely. It seems popular… … Learn more
Children and Church: PRAYground - I firmly believe that children have an important place in worship. Habits cultivated in younger years may foster spiritual roots in later years. We’re beginning something new in our 9:30 and 11 a.m. services that… … Learn more
New Leadership Board Priorities - In 2013, our church adopted a single board model of governance. This model, growing in popularity in our Conference and across United Methodism, enables a congregation to focus on discerning and achieving its mission. The… … Learn more
Musicians In Mission: Children’s Music Ministry - I am always amazed that our church can present the Gospel in varied, creative, and excellent ways: this is what I think of whenever the amazing Music Makers present their musical! I’ve asked Director Lori… … Learn more
Modern Worship and Young Adults - Recently, our Leadership Board approved some key priorities for our church over the next four years. I will be addressing these priorities, and the hard work put in by so many laity and staff, in… … Learn more
Boot Camp Sermon Series Recap - Last Sunday marked the conclusion of my five-part Boot Camp Discipleship Series. I hope you’ve joined me in taking the challenge of spiritual discipline, intensive faith formation, risk-taking mission, and compassionate congregational care. If you’ve… … Learn more
Special Ash Wednesday Opportunities - I’m very much looking forward to beginning our Lenten journey by joining you in a truly moving service that will feature the Imposition of Ashes. First, on February 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary,… … Learn more
Caring at Manchester UMC - My sermon this coming weekend continues our Boot Camp Discipleship theme. I’ll focus on teamwork, as expressed in how we care for one another. To give us an overview of our caring ministries, I’ve asked… … Learn more
Ministry Fair Recap - In Fellowship Hall this past Sunday, we held an event that reflects one of our most important strengths: the diverse and impassioned ministries of our committed laity. We had 32 ministry booths staffed by dedicated Manchester UMC… … Learn more
Get in Shape for Your Spiritual Journey! - It's time to get in shape! Here's why. Last Sunday, continuing with my series titled “Boot Camp Discipleship,” I talked about the importance of discerning your spiritual gifts. These gifts aren’t accidental, but given to… … Learn more
What’s Your Specialty? - Last Sunday kicked off my series on “Boot Camp Discipleship.” If you missed my sermon, “Meeting the Drill Sergeant,” catch the video online. Along the lines of this theme, this coming Sunday I’ll be talking… … Learn more