The Messenger
Albany United Methodist Church
July 2026
Rev Bendi Burgin, Pastor
It is my joy and privilege to be appointed to serve the Albany and Gilman City churches for another year. This is the start of my 23rd year serving in Albany and 33 years since I was first appointed at my three-point charge while in Seminary. I have been blessed serving with you over the years and am looking forward to serving with you for another year. Let’s make this one the best one yet!
As I said in my sermon a few weeks ago, “The harvest is plentiful, the laborers are few.” There are people all around us that need to hear about Jesus; people that we see every day that need to hear the story of how Jesus is in your heart; people that want to hear how being a part of the Body of Christ, the church, makes a positive difference in your life. Let us go and serve, go and share, go and give, go and be the church Christ created us to be!
Rev. Bendi
July 12 and 19 - 8:15am - 8:45am
Rev Bendi will be sharing about United Methodism. Feel free to join us if you are interested in what we believe as United Methodists.
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THANK YOU FOR EVERYONE’S HELP and DONATIONS to make CAMP happen this year! We had a GREAT week!
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Monday Funday
July 6 - We will go to St Joe for a movie! Bring a can of food for entry!
We will leave at 9:30 and return by 3:00
Movie choices are “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 3”
July 20 - Chilli Bay!!!! We will leave at 11:30, bring a lunch or eat first. We have a cabana rented until 4:00. We will be home following!!!!!
Pineview Chapel - July 14th - Leave Albany 10:45
Our church has been asked to lead the Chapel service on the second Tuesday of each month. If you would like to go with us, please let Rev Bendi know.
Anyone is welcome to join us
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Congregations in Action
Last summer our church was given the opportunity to participate in the Congregations in Action Grant process. I preached two sermon series and a group of people met over the past year. After much deliberation we have made a decision how
to spend the $10,000 grant.
First, we are going to help make the Back-To-School event on registration day bigger, helping more families and kids. We will help provide tennis shoes, backpacks, school supplies and food at the event in August.
Secondly, during the Spring of 2027, we will hold a Sunday of Learning and Fellowship. This will consist of various classes for the entire family and ending with a
food truck event for fellowship.
I am honored that our church was chosen for this opportunity because of all the great things we already do, and thrilled to do these two new things!
Rev Bendi
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Mark your Calendars
Wednesday July 1st - Bethany Pool - 7:15-8:15pm (Join Gilman City UMC)
Sunday August 2nd - Swim/Block Party at the Albany Pool
Sunday September 20th - Concert in the Park - Girls Next Door
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2027 Mission Trip
January 24-30
Mid-West Missions
Pawnee IL
We will work on various projects at the mission site. We will stay in a lodge on twin beds. Meals are provided. If you are interested in going, please contact Rev Bendi so she can begin to make reservations at the Mission.
Football Season is coming!
We will have another year of Albany UMC Fantasy Football
If you want to be included contact Rev Bendi or Jered Rolves
Food Ministry Dates:
Commodities/Senior Box Day
NOTICE NEW DATE DUE TO HOLIDAY
Open to Gentry County Residents ONLY…
Friday, July 3, 2026
From 9 am- 11:30 am
Wal-Mart Excess/Food Pantry
Wal-Mart Excess open to all
Food Pantry open ONLY to Albany R-3 School District residents…
Tuesday, July 7 and 21, 2026
From 9 am - 10 am
Second Harvest Mobile Food Drop
Open to all who participate
Monday, July 27, 2026
Starting at 10 - While supplies last
Items always needed to help supply the pantry
Women: Shampoo, Conditioner, Soap, Body Wash, Feminine Products, Wipes, Deodorant
Men; Shampoo, All In One Body Wash, Razors, Shaving Cream, Deodorant
Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Dish soap, Hand Wipes, Bleach, Laundry Detergent
If you have a food emergency please call United Way at 211 or
the church office at 660-726-5818.
“ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.” Matthew 25:35
Happy Birthday to you!
1 – Chris Birdsell
Ruby Ruckman
2 – Megan Epperly
10 – Teresa Smith
11 – Allie Ruckman
13 – Marta Meyer
16 – Dustin Freeman
17 – Susan Bridges
Serena Naylor
21 – Kayce Messner
23 – Ed Manring
24 – Matt Hogue
25 – Peggy Forbis
26 – Bob Birdsell
29 – Jim Humphrey
30 – Vicki Hogue
Happy Anniversary
6 – Jerry and Kim Findley
12 – Bob and Chris Birdsell
Nick and Sarah Smith
14 - Ed and Nancy Manring
17 - Dustin and Staci Freeman
30 – David and Jennie Brown
Sunday Responsibilities
Children’s Time
5 - Donna Humphrey
12 - Jess Rolves
19 - Staci Freeman
26 - Chris Birdsell
Scripture Readers
5 - Marta Meyer
12 - Zane Freeman
19 - Clara Almquist
26 - Eliza Rolves
Counters
5 - Richard McConkey and Denice Harness
12 - Jeffrey Epperly and Gregg Salmon
19 - Debbie Lippincott and Blayre Crawford
26 - Steven Meyer and Ryan Almquist
