SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2025
As a church, we’re called to love our neighbors, serve the vulnerable, and bring the hope of Christ to our community. One powerful way we do this is by partnering with local nonprofits. These relationships help us extend our reach, steward resources wisely, and come alongside those already making an impact. Together, we meet practical and spiritual needs, build trust, and open doors for the good news of Jesus. It’s not just about doing good—it’s about living out our faith. Join us this Sunday for a meaningful conversation with Jane Williams, co-founder and executive director of Love Columbia.


FOREVER FRIENDSHIP DECISION
In a few weeks, our elementary kids will have the opportunity to participate in two faith steps:  Forever Friendship Decision and Baptism.
 
Forever Friendship:  On Sunday, July 20 at noon, we will offer our Forever Friendship Class where we will talk about why and how we choose to make Jesus our Forever Friend and make scrapbook pages/memory books with those children who have made the forever friendship decision. (For families who cannot attend on the 20th, July 27 can be an option as well.) Please contact kateh@woodcrest.org to sign up for the class.
 
Baptism:  Woodcrest is also working to plan our next church-wide Baptism. If your child has made the Forever Friendship decision and feels ready to take the step of Baptism, please contact kateh@woodcrest.org for the next steps!


CONGREGATIONAL AFFIRMATION
We are happy to present Debi Cartwright for congregational affirmation as a member of the Elder Board. If affirmed, Debi will begin a 3-year term in August, 2025.

Debi has been a part of the Woodcrest Community for almost 30 years. During that time, she has participated in several different Woodcrest ministries including Guest Relations (Lobby Host, Welcome Center, Contributions), Small Groups Administration Team, Life Group, The Mobile Food Pantry, Loaves and Fishes, Prime Timers, Women’s Ministry, Thrive and Leadership training.

Debi recently retired after 33 years as a Professor at Truman State University teaching and researching in the areas of marketing, strategy, and assessment. While at Truman, she held multiple leadership roles within the School of Business, both faculty governance bodies, and on multiple School of Business and University-wide committees. She also served as Faculty Advisor for the professional business fraternity (Delta Sigma Pi) and the University’s chapter of the American Marketing Association.

With her late husband, Doug, Debi raised a son, Devin, who lives in New Melle, Missouri with his wife Katie, and their infant son, Griffin. She is relishing her new role as “Nana”. In addition to visiting her son, daughter-in-law and grandson, she enjoys walking, playing, and “hanging out” with her energetic, four-year old miniature poodle, Jasper, taking classes through the church and at MU’s Osher Institute, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Debi is eager for the opportunity to work with the Elder Board. She hopes her leadership and marketing experience, as well as her faith-based service, will prove valuable to the Elder Board and the Woodcrest Community as we navigate our next steps in God’s plan for Woodcrest.

If you have questions, affirmations, or concerns, please contact the Elder Board via email by 7/27/25. Copies of Debi's bio are available at the Welcome Center or upon request from Betty Houston. Thank you for your prayers and support as we seek God’s guidance in this process.


JULY MOBILE PANTRY
Our next Food Bank Mobile Pantry will be held at the Elks Lodge on Tuesday, July 15.  Volunteers are needed from 2:45 – 5:30 to direct traffic, register households, sort and bag food, and load groceries into vehicles.
 
Please invite your friends and family to join us – all are welcome to serve!  Youth over 12 can assist with packing groceries and those over 16 can assist with loading vehicles and/or directing traffic. REGISTER HERE


WE'RE STARTING
THE 40/40 CHALLENGE – We’re underway!
sarahs@woodcrest.org • REGISTER HERE

UNDISTRACTED – Started Thursday!
6:30–8:00 PM in The Underground


LOVE, SERVE, GROW
As we step into the weekend ahead, let’s keep our hearts open to the ways God invites us to love, serve, and grow—whether that’s through new friendships, deeper commitments, or simply showing up for our community. There’s a lot happening, and we’d love for you to be part of it. See you Sunday!

OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF
• Check out Kidcrest, our children’s ministry HERE
• The Loop: sign up for our student ministry newsletter HERE
• Watch services at WoodcrestWorldwide.org
• Engage on Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
• Download the Woodcrest App: CLICK
• Last, but definitely not least: Set up a recurring donation