St. Louis Columbia District

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Welcome graphic

Presiding Elder & Mrs.

C. Jessel Strong

Fifth District Theme:

Continuing to Rebuild the Walls: Hand me Another Brick

Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” Nehemiah 2:17

St. Louis Columbia District Theme:

Birthing a Prosperous Future

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

ST. LOUIS COLUMBIA DISTRICT

Well, once again we have come to the beginning of a new conference year. The Lord has been good to us, we have struggled but still we rise. Not because we were so great and wonderful, but because God saw fit to support us at times when we were faltering. What a Great God we serve!

I am looking forward to blessings beyond our wildest imagination. Watch God work! Remember, if we keep our hand in God's Hand and pray before we do or say anything He will shower us with His abundant blessings. He has said in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." What God has for you is for you and no one can take it from you. Let us not forget we are responsible for, Birthing a Prosperous Future.

I would like to welcome the new pastors on our district; Rev. Edmund Lowe pastoring St. James, Rev. C. Dennis Williams pastoring Christ Our Redeemer, Rev. Keith Cornelius pastoring Rock Chapel, Rev. Terrence Small pastoring Bethel Paynesville, Rev. Earl Strauther pastoring Simpson Chapel, and Evangelist Charley Johnson supplying Ward Mexico. I know each of you will be a blessing to the St. Louis Columbia District and the MO' Betta Conference. As we work together to answer the clarion call to ministry let us not forget, we are the B.E.S.T. Believers. Experiencing. Spiritual. Transformation.

In His Service,

C. Jessel

JOY

I am thrilled with the joy of living.

Have I been merely existing rather than knowing the full joy of living? To experience the transformative power of joy, I let the Christ Spirit move in me. I act from Christ consciousness and allow it to inform my thoughts, lighten and lift my vision, and create about me an atmosphere of peace and happiness.

Joy is a result of interest and awareness, of active appreciation and creative expression. I take time to be interested in my neighbor's welfare and offer a helping hand. I see the beauty of nature and hear music in the hum of the day's activities. I recognize the Christ in myself and in others. I let my soul be thrilled and exalted as I actively and purposefully take joy in living a full and complete life.

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.--Isaiah 12:3