January 8, 2014 | Volume 13 Issue 1 jacksonfumc.org

SEEKING GOD | KNOWING CHRIST | SHARING HIS LOVE

DOWNTOWN JACKSON

A Newsletter Publication of First United Methodist Church, Jackson, Tennessee

FIRST EDITIONFIRST EDITIONThis Issue...

AT A GLANCE• Church Family News• Wednesday Evening Fellowship Classes

Page 2

• Women’s Ministries: Winter Quarter 2014Page 3

• Adventures in Learning• Calendar of Events

Page 4

• Memorials and HonorariaPage 5

• “The Current “Youth Winter Events• Calendar of Events

Page 6

• Children’s Ministry • Wanda’s Wellness Wisdom

Page 7

• A Tribute and Farewell to Rev. Dr. Cecil Kirk

Page 8-9

• Mission Corner• January Mission Focus

Page 10

• Dollars for ScholarsPages 11

• Sunday Morning Sermon Topics Page 12

Wednesday Evening FellowshipJan. 15 Dinner Only 4:45 p.m.Jan. 22 Preview Party 4:45 p.m. Dinner and WEF Class OrientationJan. 29 WEF Dinner and Classes Resume

It's Show Time...Preview Party you won't want to miss!

January 22 • 4:45 p.m.Exciting newly designed classes and fun at Wednesday Evening Fellowship (WEF)!

If you are a regular attender, have not come in a while, or just wondering what’s going on, this is the perfect time to come!

Door prizes • New classes • Fabulous mealFree childcare

~ MENU ~Grilled Flank Steak with Merlot Sauce

Chicken Cordon BleuRoasted Asparagus

Loaded Baked Potato CasseroleBananas Foster Bread Pudding

and other assorted desserts

1st

FirstThings

Leadership SundayJanuary 1211:00 a.m. Worship Installation of Church LeadersA “Guide to Life at FUMC” is available for everyone... pick up your copy in the lobby.

See page 2 for Wednesday Evening Fellowship classes

First Edition January 8, 2014

Real World ParentingLeader: Mary Helen Rudd • Room 109Book Fee: $5Christian parenting for families living in the real world. Real World Parenting, written by veteran youth pastor, Mark Matlock, provides you with the tools to be a proactive parent when it comes to the faith of your children.

Mo’town Line DancingLeader: Esther MilamYou need to HUSTLE on down to the BUS STOP so we can get to FUNKYTOWN!Join Esther Milam as we learn great line dances to great music from the ‘70’s to today. Lean The Hank, The Electric Slide, Chocolate City and the Pepsi Cola Slide. No experience necessary. All ages welcome. Must be willing to have fun! See you there.

Parenting on PointLeader: Cindy Spring • Room 109Book Fee: $5This class will walk parents through the important aspects of a parenting plan, offering practical tips and strategies aimed at keeping their family anchored to important family values and beliefs that will redirect them when the tug of popular culture pulls them off course.

Wednesday Evening FellowshipDinner 4:45 p.m.Class 6:00-7:00 p.m.

The December 29th joint service was a special time to rejoice. Todd William Clampitt, infant son of Will and Megan Clampitt was welcomed into the family of God through the sacrament of infant baptism. We also rejoice that Todd’s father, Will Clampitt joined Jackson First United Methodist Church. Will is an account executive for Charter Business. Will moved his membership from another United Methodist church. Megan Clampitt became a member of Jackson First when she was 12 years old. Megan is nurse anesthetist for Jackson Madison County General Hospital. Megan and Will have another son Bo who is two years. We warmly welcome Will, Megan, Bo, and Todd.

page 2

CHURCH FAMILY

The next publication of the First Edition Newsletterwill be Wednesday, January 22Please submit materials to bobbie@jacksonfumc.org by Monday, January 20.

Morning Bible Studies

United Methodist Men’s Bible StudyTuesdays 7:00-7:45 a.m.Leader: Dave Bratcher

Lunch & Learn “Unglued”Tuesdays 9:45-11:00 a.m.Leader: Mary Beth Bernheisel

Pastors Bible StudyThe Gospel According to JohnWednesdays 9:00-10:00 a.m.Leader: David Hollis

UngluedLeaders: Lorie White & Betsy Dement • Room 119Making wise choices in the midst

of raw emotions. According to author and speaker Lysa TerKeurst, each time we feel a raw emotion coming to the surface it’s an opportunity to either fall back into patterns that make us wallow in guilt or choose more wisely and make progress.No more guilt - let’s choose progress! Pick up your book before the first class at the preview party or Susan’s desk in the library. Also offered at Lunch & Learn on Tuesdays 9:45-11:00 Jan 21st. Come and join us, you will be glad you did!

The Gospel According to JohnLeader: David Hollis • Room 118The Gospel According to John stands alone in the New Testament for its narrative beauty and complexity. Come and explore its unique depiction of Jesus and handling of Gospel material as well as contemporary questions surrounding the book. Weekly reading and study is expected for this in-depth course.

Taking the Bible SeriouslyLeader: Rev. Paul Eubanks • Room: LibraryThis class, based on the first two (of four) stages of “The Story of the Bible” from the “Great Courses” series, will explore the remarkable and complicated process by which the Bible came into being. Participants will listen to one audio lecture each class meeting with discussion to follow. That means there is no book to buy and no homework! The speaker is renowned scholar Luke Timothy Johnson, Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, GA.

Financial Peace UniveristyLeaders: Matt and Laura Floyd • Room 114We all need a plan for our money. Dave’s class will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more! Cost: Each family will need one Financial Peace University Membership Kit. Kits are $75 and can be purchased on your own or through the church.Sign up online: jacksonfumc.org

Jan. 29th-April 19th

Andrews Chapel CampusJan. 29th-April 9th

Jan. 29-Feb. 26

March 12-April 9

Dinner & Classes each WednesdayDinner 4:45 - 6:00 p.m. • Clayton Hall • $6 Adults, $4 Children, $20 Family Max.

Classes/Activities 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday Evening Classes

SoulSisters

Confirmation ClassLeader: Dan CampUsing the United Methodist confirmation curriculum, Credo, 6th graders meet together to prepare to take vows of church membership. The expectations of Confirmation students are high: they are expected to attend class every Wednesday night, participate in two weekend retreats, and attend weekly Sunday School and worship. Throughout the year they build bonds of friendship, learn what it means to be a member of the church, and prepare to be a part of the youth ministry.

First Edition January 8, 2014 page 3

Women’s MinistriesSusan Crocker, scrocker@jacksonfumc.org

Susan CrockerDirector of Women’s Ministries

2014 Women’s Retreat

On the Right Track

January 25-26 • Victory Ranch • $110Register at jacksonfumc.org or call the church 731-422-4002

WINTERQUARTER

2014growing • connecting • serving

Women’sMinistry

January 25-26 Women’s Retreat “On the Right Track”February 11 Cooking in the Kitchen with Angie 6-8 PM*March 1 Memphis Trip to hear Lysa Terkeurst, author of “Unglued”March 11 Soul Sisters event “March Madness” 5:30-7:30 PM*Lunch & Learn Bible Study “Unglued” Tuesday 9:45-11 a.m. Library*WEF Bible Study “Unglued” starts January 22 6-7 PM • Rm. 118*Between Friends Monthly Book Club Jan. 15, Feb. 19, & Mar. 19*Tables of 6 More information and signup forms available outside FUMC Library. Deadline Jan. 24

Sign up at jacksonfumc.org or call the church office, 422-4002.* Childcare provided

You have made your New Year's Resolution. Now, Get On The Right Track and sign up for the Soul Sister's retreat at the ranch. Fun friends, exciting speakers and a time to renew your spirit. Don't miss it!

Tables of 6Looking to meet with other women at FUMC for a “girls’ night out? “Tables of 6” seeks to connect groups of six women during two sessions: February-March-April-May and August-September-October-November.A group leader will make the initial contact with group members and will select the first group activity. You and your group members will help plan the remaining activities such as a movie night, potluck meal, or a game night. “Tables of 6” activities could take place in homes, local restaurants, a movie theater, or even a park. The possibilities are almost endless!Registrations must be received by Jan. 24. Groups begin meeting in February. Find the sign up forms on the table outside of the library or online at jacksonfumc.org.

Grab a plate of dinner and share your thoughts on the book of the month.

Jan. 15 • 5:15-6:00 PM • Mezzanine“Velva Jean Learns to Drive”

by Jennifer NivenBooks available at Books-a-Million, The Book Lady, and Amazon.com

SoulSisters

Between FriendsBook Club

This is going to be an exciting year for Women's Ministry and I want you to be involved!

We women are the heartbeat of the home, community and the church. Let's get together to encourage and support one another, and to have a little fun! Invite your friends in our church, outside of our church and those that don't go to church to join us- we have open doors and open hearts!

You can find all of our events on the jacksonfumc.org website and sign up online. I also have a table outside of the library at FUMC with lots of flyers and sign up sheets. We have a facebook page at Soul Sisters: the Women's Ministry of FUMC.

I will be sending out this newsletter and I hope you will check it and email me if someone else wants to join the list. Send me your feedback and any ideas, I'd love to have them all! Let's do this together, my friends!

First Edition January 8, 2014 page 4

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17

Program 11:00 a.m. • Luncheon 12:00 noonClayton Hall • $6.00/person

To make reservations, call the church office at 422-4002 or sign up online at jacksonfumc.org by Noon, Jan. 13.

Please remember to call and cancel your reservation should you be unable to attend.

Larry Smith, local beekeeper and FUMC member

will present

“The Life of Bees... and All The Secrets”

Adult OpportunitiesPam Jaco, pam@jacksonfumc.org

Calendar of Events

Sunday, January 12 8:30 AM Worship Service- Andrews

Chapel Campus 8:55 AM First Awakening Service-

Downtown Campus 9:45 AM Sunday School- Andrews

Chapel Campus 10:00 AM Sunday School - Downtown

Campus 11:00 AM Traditional Service-

Downtown Campus 12:00 PM Leadership Lunch and

Orientation Meeting 12:30 PM Current UMY Winter Kickoff 3:00 PM Spencer Basketball Practice 5:00 PM Kids Who Care Club

Monday, January 13 9:00 AM Yearly Planning Session 9:00 AM Kids @ First Parents Day

Out 4:00 PM Sr. Staff Interview with FA

Candidate 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 6:00 PM First Awakening Interview

Team 7:00 PM Boy Scout Meeting

Tuesday, January 14 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 4:15 PM FitFirst 5:45 PM Youth Church League

Basketball

Wednesday, January 15 9:00 AM Kids @ First Parents Day

Out 10:00 AM Pastor’s Bible Study 2:30 PM WINGS 3:45 PM Brownies-Daisies (Troop

43088) 4:45 PM WEF Dinner 5:15 PM Soul Sisters Presents: Author

Jennifer Niven 6:00 PM Handbells 6:00 PM WEF Class-Confirmation

Class 6:00 PM First Awakening Rehearsal 6:00 PM Children’s Music Planning 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir 7:00 PM Spencer Basketball Practice

Thursday, January 16 4:15 PM FitFirst 5:30 PM Eblen Basketball Practice 7:00 PM Harris Basketball Practice

Friday, January 17 11:00 AM Adventures in Learning

Calendar subject to change. Please call the church office, 422-4002 or

check the calendar at jacksonfumc.org

2014 Antique and Garden Show of NashvilleFriday, February 78:30 AM - Leave Jackson FUMC parking lot$30/person (includes ticket and transportation)To reserve your spot, call the church office, 422-4002 or email pam@jacksonfumc.orgLunch is available on-site.

First Edition January 8, 2014 page 5

Memorials & Honoraria

IN LOVING MEMORY OF Bob Allen (Husband of Ellen Allen) Chuck & Mona Miller Joyce Miller Utley Donald & Elaine Roberts

William Beasley Bill Crowe Paul Gurley Dorothy Harvey Amy Maddox Dawn Saucier Carolyn Watlington Julia Erickson

Dorothy Bolton (Mother of Anita Kay Archer & Gary Bolton) Thomas & Donna Ellis Jim & Sharon Matthews (Missions)

Anne Boswell (Mother of Alicia Franco & Sister of Grailyn Brooks)

Mrs. Leo Martindale Bruce & Phyllis Maley

Nancy Brooke (Wife of Larry Brooke, Mother of Betsy Dement & Laura Camp) Charles & Georgia Roth (Pastors’ Discretionary Fund) Carol & Phillip Ryan (Haiti Mission)

(The following memorials for Nancy Brooke are designated to the Sanctuary Doors per her Family’s Request) Laura Burnett Todd & Lee Driver Thomas & Donna Ellis Friends In Faith Sunday School Class Mr. & Mrs. Corbin Hamil Al & Jennie Harlan Bruce & Phyllis Maley Jim & Sharon Matthews Jake & Joan McInnis Peggy Robbins Butch & Kay Shearin James & Vicki Smith

Morris & Effie Mae Brill Morris & Joyce Brill

Jimmy Doak Becky Voegeli Robert & Karen Hopper (Haiti Mission)

Elizabeth Ann Dike (Wife of Ernest R. Dike) Mrs. Leo Martindale

Kent FarnsworthDawn SaucierVenus BorgiltDr. & Mrs. F.A. FlattMr. & Mrs. James Bryant Dwayne & Betty Flatt (Kitchen Small Equipment)

Martha Fisher (Mother-In-Law of Dr. Larry Frazier) Gary & Linda Oseman

Velma Frazier (Mother of Beverly Denton) Bruce & Phyllis Maley

Ben Gaines II (Father of Ben Gaines III & Bailey Gaines) Hugh & Sue Harvey (Sanctuary Doors)

Marinell & Joe Gaffney, Jr.Carrie & John Parran Carolyn & Joe Gaffney (Pastors’ Fund)

Phil Harris (Father of Suzanne Welles) Carol & Phillip Ryan (Haiti Mission)

IN LOVING HONOR OF

Janet Furness Andrea Woods Dave Bratcher Mona Miller Upper Room Sunday School Class (Pastors’ Fund)

Dan CampDavid Hollis Mary Beth Bernheisel Cecil KirkPaul Clayton Kippy Miller Alan & Betsy Dement (Haiti Mission)

Alyssa McLoughlin Blair, Ellen & Wallace Driver

(Children’s Ministry)

Val Exum Sherry Harpole Ellen & Wallace Driver (Children’s Ministry)

Valerie Johnstone Blair Driver (Children’s Ministry)

Betsy DementWanda Scanlon Todd & Lee Driver Mike & Sharon Rapp 50th Anniversary Inge & Timothy Poole (Haiti Mission)

FUMC MinistersFUMC Staff Dwayne & Betty Flatt (Kitchen Small Equipment)

Dan Camp David HollisMary Beth Bernheisel Ray & Liz Bryant

FUMC Ministers FUMC Staff Phyllis Armstrong (Families in Need)

Mrs. Edna Rice Craig & Tom Stallings Family (Pastors’ Fund)

Mrs. E. H. Welles, Jr. Hunter & Suzanne Welles (Haiti Mission)

ADDITIONAL CHRISTMAS MEMORIALS

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Dodds Family Betty Betterman

W. T. (Jim) Jimerson By His Family

Paul GurleyRichard Murchison Ralph Leverett

IN LOVING HONOR OF

Paul & Carolyn ClaytonTharon & Cecil KirkPaul HamptonJim & Ida HolmesJim & Roberta PriceTim & Andi RosebroughAnn MurchisonFUMC PastorsFUMC Staff Ralph Leverett

Mona Hicks (Mother of James Hicks III & John Hicks) “The Beech Bluffers” Holly Harris Eddins LuAnn Harris Lusk Kathy & Ben Adams LawOfficeofBaker,Donelson,Bearman,Caldwell, & Berkowitz - Nashville Caroline Boswell Alan McKiernon Conda Winchester Joy A. Boyd Caldwell Collins Jaime DeRensis Elizabeth McCostlin Carrie McCutcheon Joe & Jane Brown Rebecca & John Burns Ilanette Byrd (Missions Fund) Joe & Anita Byrd (Missions Fund) Mr. & Mrs. Roy Cheatwood Betsy Cox (Pastors’ Fund) Nancy Scott Degan Dick Nunn Sunday School Class Gertrude Driver Fran (Houser) & Don Drummond Betty & Philip Houser Jeanne (Houser) & Bill Regenold Laura Ellis Dr. David & Karen Harris (Choir Fund) Hugh & Sue Harvey (Sanctuary Doors) Bob & Judy Hazlewood Jim Hicks (Habitat House) Jerry Johnson Brad, Paula, Brad II, & Phalon Jones Dr. & Mrs. Frank Jordan Linda Klein Leila Lawrence Jan & Garey Littrell Timothy & Ellen Lupinacci Bruce & Phyllis Maley Kay Montgomery Jeri Norwood Ronald & Ann Pruitt Charles & Georgia Roth (Pastors’ Discretionary Fund) Gary & Caroline Shockley Larry & Frannie Smith Jerry & Kittie Stauffer Harlon Lett (Husband of Grace Lett) Dick Nunn Sunday School Class Alice Eblen (Sanctuary Doors) Bruce & Phyllis Maley

John Price (Brother of Jim Price) Laura Burnett Jim Hicks Bruce & Phyllis Maley Jake & Joan McInnis

William Russell Rice, Sr.Thomas H., Virginia, & James Keith StallingsMr. & Mrs. James T. Stevens, Sr.Dr. & Mrs. Harold VinsonJohn NuckollsDavid NuckollsBernice JessupColonel & Mrs. Forrest V. DurandGeorge BoydDr. H. Lynn Parsons Craig & Tom Stallings Family (Pastors’ Fund)

Rev. William Ruff (Father of Pam Perchik) Lina & Fred Bowyer The McAlister Family

First Edition January 8, 2014 page 6

Calendar of Events

Saturday, January 18 No church events scheduled

Sunday, January 19 8:30 AM Worship Service- Andrews

Chapel Campus 8:55 AM First Awakening Service-

Downtown Campus 9:45 AM Sunday School- Andrews

Chapel Campus 10:00 AM FUMC Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Service-

Downtown Campus 12:00 PM Reception for Cecil Kirk 3:00 PM Spencer Basketball Practice 4:00 PM Current UMY 5:00 PM “The Edge”

Monday, January 20 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 7:00 PM Boy Scout Meeting

Tuesday, January 21 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 9:45 AM Lunch and Learn 4:15 PM FitFirst 5:45 PM Youth Church League

Basketball

Wednesday, January 22 9:00 AM Kids @ First Parents Day

Out 10:00 AM Pastor’s Bible Study 2:30 PM WINGS 4:45 PM WEF Dinner and Preview

Party 6:00 PM Handbells 6:00 PM WEF Class-Confirmation

Class 6:00 PM Youth WEF 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir 7:00 PM Spencer Basketball Practice

Thursday, January 23 10:00 AM Connectional Ministries

Team Finance Committee 12:30 PM Connectional Ministries

Team Meeting 4:15 PM FitFirst 5:30 PM Eblen Basketball Practice 7:00 PM Harris Basketball Practice

Friday, January 24 No church events scheduled

Saturday, January 25 9:00 AM Women’s Retreat 10:00 AM Nashville Episcopal Area

Emerging Ministries Meeting 12:30 PM Birthday Party 4:30 PM Room In the Inn

“The Current” YouthOpen to 7th-12th graders

Mary Beth Bernheisel, mbernheisel@jacksonfumc.org

January 12Winter KickoffFor our Winter Kickoff we’ll be stopping by Jacob’s Well, a downtown Memphis church that reaches out to its neighbors with radical compassion, to donate blankets and then going to a Grizzlies game!Time: We will leave the church 2:00 p.m. and return to the church by 9:30 p.m.Location: FedEx Forum Cost: $25 (includes food at the game)Deadline to register: January 5

February 2Souper Bowl of CaringOnce again, we will serve lunch to our congregation and give the proceeds to RIFA to feed the hungry in our neighborhood.Time: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Location: Jackson FUMC

February 2Super Bowl PartyDetails TBA

March 7-830-Hour FamineThis year we will be partnering with First Presbyterian Church to experience first-hand what it’s like to be hungry.Time: Fasting will begin at noon on Friday, on your own. We will be finished at 7:00 p.m. on March 8.Location: Jackson FUMCCost: $25Deadline to register: March 2

April 5-6Global Gateway at Heifer RanchThis is our makeup trip from the summer, but you can go even if you weren’t registered the first time!Time: We will leave the church at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday and return by 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.Cost: $50Deadline to register: March 2

April 13Easter Egg HuntWe will be helping with the children’s Easter Egg Hunt at Andrews Chapel.Time: Arrive at Andrews Chapel at 1:00 p.m. We will finish the evening with a movie. Details TBA

April 27Confirmation SundayPlease be present to welcome our confirmands into the life of the church!

May 11Senior Recognition SundayPlease be present in worship to recognize our graduating seniors!

How to Register for Events422-4002 or jacksonfumc.org

mbernheisel@jacksonfumc.orgor text to 731-293-8837

First Edition January 8, 2014 page 7

Children’s MinistryAlyssa McLoughlin, amcloughlin@jacksonfumc.org

Wanda’s Wellness Wisdomby Wanda Scanlon, FUMC Health & Welfare Representative

RN, Regional Hospital of Jackson, TNHow to “Reboot” After Christmas OOPS, did you overdo it at Christmas? Fudge, coconut cake, my son-in-law’s famous Egg Nog… the Scanlon’s are guilty as charged. Let’s don’t beat ourselves up or make New Year’s Resolutions we can’t possibly keep regarding exercise and diet. Just get back on track with these simple changes. It’s easier to recover from indulgences if you are realistic.

1. Drink more water. Aim for about 8 to 10 cups per day. It can flush out excess weight caused by added sodium. It also curbs your appetite and is calorie-free (not to mention plain old free from the tap.)

2. Don’t skip meals. This just slows your metabolism. Start your day with a healthy breakfast (like mama said). Low fat yogurt and berries, oatmeal, even bananas with nut butters will work.

3. Plan your plate. Make half colorful fruits and vegetables. On the other half add lean protein, such as fish, beans or poultry and whole grains, such as wild rice or my new favorite quinoa.

4. Get moving. I know I’m always harping about this but the benefits are ENDLESS. There is exercise for everyone, even if you aren’t in “good shape”. Add some physical activity to each day-give your house a

good cleaning (FYI... I’m not going to do that one personally), head to the gym, bundle up and go for a walk. I noticed some fun exercise DVDs at Dollar General over the holidays for $2 each. I’m planning on going to Lisa and Marilynn’s exercise class at the church-it’s drop-in and free. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Above all, my health advice is love and care for ourselves and others as Christ loved and cared for us all. Remember, we are worth it; God told us so.

As we begin the New Year, the Children’s Council and I want to share the great vision that has been put in place for the Children’s Ministry of FUMC. The programming for 2014 is based on the understanding that spiritual formation begins early in a child’s life and is to be taken seriously. Mark 10:14 reminds us that the Kingdom of God belongs to the children. If the Kingdom of God belongs to children then they deserve full welcome and participation. They need to grow up as noticed, valued, and nurtured members of the faith community.

The council is committed to ensuring that events and programming planned for

children are more than just a form of entertainment.

In some way, shape, or form everything thatisonthecalendarshouldbenefitthe child, the family, and the faith community.

Some of the things that our children and families can look forward to this year are:

•AmonthlyParent’sNightOut•Amonthlyfamilyorientedevent•Missionopportunitiesthatwillincorporate the family as a whole•Children’sworshipavailableforchildren up to 2nd grade•Anewapproachtochildren’smusic.

These opportunities align with our congregation’s goal to strengthen families and our desire to draw in families that are not already connected to a congregation.

To make this vision truly come to life, then the church must come together. “The goal is an awe-inspiring faith in God passed from generation to generation”, says Catherine Stonehouse, author of Joining Children on the Spiritual Journey.

I encourage everyone to play their part in passing down their faith. Stonehouse also reminds us that, “Teaching children is important for adults as well as children. As we tell children the stories of the faith, talk with them about God, and answer their questions, we refocus on God. Our love is rekindled as we remember God’s acts, and as we wrestle with the questions raised by our children, we stretch and grow. We are on the faith journey together, and we need each other.”

First Edition January 8, 2014 page 8

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A Tribute and Farewell to Rev. Dr. Cecil Kirk by Bobbie Mays, Director of Communications

Rev. Cecil Kirk has served as the Congregational Care Pastor at Jackson First United Methodist Church since 2004. Regularly visiting church members each month who are either homebound, in assisted living facilities or in nursing homes, for the past nine years, Cecil has been their special connection to the church. This month, “Dr. Cecil” will be entering a new chapter in his life as he will be retiring on January 19, 2014.

How Cecil’s Journey BeganIf there is one word to sum up Cecil’s life, it is missions. Serving others for Christ is his passion. In his childhood years, Cecil Edward Kirk grew up in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi and Tennessee. By the time he graduated from high school in 1955, he had attended eight different schools. He started his junior year at Bartlett High School, played on the football team, was elected president of the junior class and also became the senior class president. To support himself through college, Cecil spent his summers working in a Buick factory in Flint, Michigan and at DuPont in Memphis. While attending Lambuth, he participated on a Youth Caravan to New Mexico and West Texas. As a junior, Cecil was encouraged by his pastor to go on a mission work team to Austria. To raise money for the trip, he spoke to forty different churches and people.

Following graduation from Lambuth, he became a Short-Term Missionary with the Methodist Board of Missions and had an opportunity to go to the jungles of Bornea. Cecil arrived in Sarawak, Malaysia located in Southeast Asia where he taught history, English and mathematics at a Methodist high school. At Kapit, as the school principal and later as Superintendent of Iban

Education (10 schools), Cecil was in charge of a dormitory for 120 boys. Knowing he had to learn the language, Jimbun, the grandson of the Head Chief of the tribe, taught him how to speak in Iban, the native language. Through hard work and study, Cecil had to prepare and preach the same sermon at six different communities every other week. It was this experience that truly shaped his life. Fifty years later in 2012, Cecil and his wife Tharon returned to Malaysia and met up with his friend, Jimbun, who now has his masters degree and is the chief governmentofficerforhistribe.

When he returned to the states, Cecil went on to seminary in Delaware, Ohio. After graduation, he served as associate pastor at Mullins UMC for one year under Dr. Walter Mischke, Sr. then went to Murray State where he was the campus minister for the Wesley Foundation.

Cecil married and together he and his wife had two children, Scott and

Cecil Kirk (at age 22) in Sarawak, Malaysia

Tuesday & Thursday • 4:15 p.m.Activity Center Gym

FitFirst is: • A dance-cardio, toning, strength andfitnessclass.• A low key, no stress class for women •Afunworkoutwiththesupportof a group in a relaxed, safe environment. Cost: Free. Mats, exercise balls and bands are provided. Please bring your own hand weights.

For more information, contact Lisa Hurd, lhurd@eplus.net, or Marilynn Eblen, marilynn@jacksonfumc.org or 422-4002.

50 years later, Cecil Kirk with Jimbun, chief government officer for his tribe.

FUMC FOUNDATION“Christian stewardship guides us to think of the future. Have your estate plan prepared now and include a gift to the Church.”To learn more about FUMC’s Foundation and Planned Giving, contact Jim Scott, Chairman. 668-4775 or e-mail patandscotty@aeneas.net

First Edition January 8, 2014 page 9

Michelle. They returned to Malaysia for a brief period. Early on, their marriage did not work out. Cecil moved on and began a new career selling insurance in East Tennessee. Still feeling a call to mission work and deciding to come home to Memphis, he got in touch with the bishop. In his words, “my Ebenezer was at a phone booth in Cookeville, TN.” Cecil joined the staff of United Methodist Neighborhood Centers in the inner city of Memphis, later to become the Executive Director where he served for six years.

Working in a black community out of aninnercitychurch,onthefirstSundaythere, he met Tharon McConnell. Tharon had served as a missionary nurseduringtheVietnamWar,thefirstMethodist missionary, for the Vietnam Christian Service. Following her experience in Vietnam, she represented the Board of Global ministries at annual conferences across the United States sharing about her mission work during the Vietnam War. After a speaking engagement in Memphis, Tharon was recruited to start a free health clinic at the Methodist Neighborhood Centers.

A couple of years later, Cecil and Tharon married and they had two children, Dietrich and Andrew. Serving as the pastor of a transitional church, St. Matthews United Methodist Church, Cecil also served as the Vice Chairman of VIM (Volunteers in Mission) for which he was responsible for the Memphia Conference mission teams. The next seven years, he served as the senior pastor at Capleville Methodist Church and then he and hisfamilymovedtoMayfield,KYwhere he served as the pastor of First Methodist Church for four years. While inMayfield,Cecilservedinapulpitexchange program in London, England. In 1988, Dr. Cecil became the District Superintendent for the Jackson District serving 110 churches, a position he held until 1993 when he was assigned to be the senior pastor for Dyersburg FUMC.

Heservedthereforthenextfiveyears.While in Jackson, Tharon served as the acting Dean of Nursing at Union University while their son, Andrew completed his schooling at Jackson Central Merry High School. Tharon retired after fourteen years as a nursing professor at Union University.

His life of mission work has taken him across the oceans to Southeast Asia, Europe, Jamaica, Honduras and Puerto Rico. Since being at Jackson FUMC, Cecil has been on three mission trips to Nicaragua, his 3rd trip to Cuba and he’s madefivetripstotheGulfcoasttohelpfamilies whose homes were destroyed by hurricanes.

What’s the Next Chapter?Cecil’s pastoral care leadership at Jackson FUMC will be greatly missed! He is known for his calm, gentle spirit and as Jan Kelley, FUMC Ministerial Assistant who works closely with Cecilreflected,“hejustalwayshasthatwarm smile.” Certainly staff will miss himcheerfullystoppingbyourofficeseach Monday to gather and lead us in congregational prayer concerns.

Known too for his wit and charm, as pastor to 126 “Super Seniors” (as he affectionately refers to them), between the ages of 80-102, Cecil, who knows all of their stories, said, “I decided it was time to quit, when one senior told me the same story three times in one visit!” The good news is that Jackson will continue to be his home. Cecil will keep on singing in the sanctuary choir along with Tharon. He’s looking forward to his woodworking projects, compiling a book of prayers (as he has had several requests over the years) and his continued work on the genealogy of his family. Of course, there will always be some kind of mission work as long as he is able. Haiti 2014 is next!

Cecil is also going to enjoy following

their Jackson, TN grandsons, Holden and Grayson on the golf course, (sons of Scott and Cindy); watching their two young granddaughters, Carlisle and Hallie Mae grow up (daughters of Dietrich and Keeley); keeping up with son, Andrew who lives and works in North Carolina and Michelle who resides and works in San Francisco, California.

Everyone is invited to a

Retirement Reception Sunday, January 19th

in honor of Rev. Dr. Cecil Kirk

immediately following the11 a.m. Worship Service

Clayton Hall

Dr. Cecil Kirk will be preaching at both the

8:55 a.m. and the 11:00 a.m. worship services.“Come and See”

John 1:35-42

First Edition January 8, 2014 page 10

Mission CornerDavid Hollis, dhollis@jacksonfumc.org

Mission Trip

FUMCDeadline to sign up is January 12th. Contact Susan Crocker with your paperwork (scrocker@jacksonfumc.org).

April 26- May 2

2014The beginning of a new year is a perfect timeforself-reflectionandevaluation.As a spiritual discipline, we should all stop from time to time to ask a traditional Wesleyan question: “How is it with my soul?” It is good for us to do this individually, but also as Sunday School classes, small groups, and ministry teams within the church.

Over the past year, the FUMC Missions Team has undergone a great deal of reflectionanddirectedplanning.GregStuart led several sessions to help team members examine our current state as a church regarding missional outreach and dream about the future. We will be sharing a new Missions Strategic Plan soon in several ways, but overall the team felt called to go deeper with our commitment to a few projects and agencies, with which FUMC is closely connected, rather than shallow attention to many.

We know that our way of engaging others in mission work needs to be more intentional. With this in mind, we are making changes to the Monthly Mission Focus collection. Rather than expecting people to bring items throughout the month for the different mission agencies we support, we are targeting the Last Sunday of Each Month as the day to bring these items. We will have a new display in the church lobby where the items are to be donated, and they will be taken the next day to the agency so that they can help people immediately. We will unveil a new logo for this soon so that when you see it, you will be reminded of the chance to give.

Please help us spread the word of this change to others and encourage them to circle the last Sunday of each month as the day to bring items for our mission partners.

January Mission Focus

January Mission Chest NeedsA snack drive for ARM’s after-school program, The Hub Club. •Fruitsnacks •Chips •Granolabars •DrinksThese items may be placed in the Mission Chest located in the main lobby.

For more information about Area Relief Ministries, please visit: areareliefministries.org

~ Note of Appreciation ~I want to recognize and thank all of the following people for their hard work to make the church so beautiful during the Advent season. A very special thank you to Lynne Shuttleworth for the many hours of work and to my husband, Dicky, for all of his assistance. Couldn’t have done it without you all! Also, thanks to committee members, Paulette Coy, Lane Camp, Mary Beth Gibson, Cyd Teague, Melinda Posey and Carolyn Yarbrough. Special thanks to Barry Phillips and John Yarbrough who volunteered their time to help. Great having men to help us!

Sam Welch, Altar Guild Chairperson

~~~~~

A Note from the Staff

Many thanks to all who brought homemade goodies for the staff to enjoy during the holiday season. Your cards and special remembrances are greatly appreciated. It is a blessing to be a part of such a vital and caring congregation. The staff team looks forward to 2014 and all the opportunities it brings.

First Edition January 8, 2014

Your generosity is explosive!Jackson FUMC EXCEEDED the amount pledged in tithes and offerings for 2013!

2013 Christmas Eve offering... over $18,000 collected for the second year in a row!

Haiti 2014 Live Beyond Mission offering received at Carols and Candles Service and through other donations: $8,304.95

2013 apportionments paid in full: $280,332.00Apportionments connect and support the mission and ministry of the United Methodist Church at every level — from the local church, district, conference, national and worldwide.

ARM, RIFA and other local mission giving opportunities beyond apportionments fulfilled: $14,367.74

Capital improvements in 2013 completed to main facility: $171,840.26

Andrews Chapel restoration/improvements (estimated at $10,000). The Andrews Chapel endeavor has been self-sustaining in first year of activity.

Birth of a new ministry: Kids@First Parents Day Out.

Thanks to your EXTREME GENEROSITY, 2014 promises to be a year of incredible ministry!

page 11

JACKSON FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Giving Hearts... Sharing God’s Love

Dollars for Scholarsby Casey Northcutt Watson

College can be overwhelmingly expensive, but through programs like Dollars for Scholars, United Methodists have stepped forward to help students reach their educational goals.

Dollars for Scholars, an endeavor from the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF), provides matching grants for local church scholarships of $1,000. Established in 1965, the UMHEF distributes funds to help United Methodist students attend United Methodist universities, and this program helps facilitate that goal.

According to the UMHEF website, www.umhef.org, qualifying youth must have been active members in a United Methodist church for at least one year before submitting their applications. They also must plan to enroll full-time in United Methodist-related colleges, universities or seminaries during the fall semester of the upcoming academic year. Doctoral candidates can’t apply.

Last year, Jackson FUMC member Foster Johnstone received UMHEF funds from the program. It helped him choose between Birmingham-Southern College in Birmingham, Alabama, and another, less expensive school.

“The only reason I would have gone to the other college is if I couldn’t get enough money to go to Birmingham-Southern University,” he says. “Dollars for Scholars was definitely one of the scholarships that made it possible for Birmingham-Southern to be affordable.”

Johnstone received $3,000 through UMHEF’s Triple Your Dollars, a program in which certain schools add another $1,000 to scholarship money donated from the foundation and a student’s church. According to the UMHEF website, some youth even receive $4,000 from Quadruple Your Dollars. In this program, participating United Methodist conference foundations also give another $1,000 to scholarship recipients attending Triple

your Dollar schools. The United Methodist General Board of Higher Education and also funds 25 scholarships designated for Hispanic-, Asian- and Native-American students, as well.

The UMHEF has the ability to award scholarships to United Methodist students like Johnstone due to the generosity of institutions, individuals and churches. Last year, the Jackson First United Methodist Foundation donated more than $2,000 to Dollars for Scholars, according to Foundation Chairman, Jim Scott. He said the trustees had given money to graduating high school students for years, but this seemed like a new opportunity to support education.

“We need to maximize all the gifts that we can,” he said.

But, of course, the UMEF doesn’t just give away free money. Foster Johnstone says it requires students who have received Dollars for Scholars awards to perform a certain amount of community services during the school year.

Students interested in this program can apply for it online through www.umhef.org/. Dollars for Scholars will accept applications from January 1 to March 1, and then it will announce awards after May 1. The program will accept applications from students attending two-year United Methodist-related junior colleges until June 1.

However, the UMHEF does not guarantee scholarships to all who apply. If the number of applicants exceeds the funds available, Dollars for Scholars will choose recipients at random. It will then return applicant checks to the churches of those not chosen.

If anyone would like to donate to the UMEF and keep the Dollars for Scholars program going, they can visit the organization’s website. They should also give this information to any United Methodist youth preparing to graduate high school.

Sunday Morning Worship

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First United Methodist Church200 South Church StreetJackson, Tennessee 38301 Address Service Requested(731) 422-4002

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DOWNTOWN JACKSON

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Sunday, January 12

Sunday, January 19

Andrews Chapel Services:8:30 a.m. Worship Service9:45 a.m. Sunday School

“Come and See“ Cecil Kirk, preaching John 1:35-42

“A Renaming“ Dan Camp, preaching John 1:29-42

“Remember Your Baptism and be Thankful“ Mary Beth Bernheisel, preaching Matthew 3:13-17

“By Water and the Spirit“ Davis Hollis, preaching Matthew 3:13-17

FUMC Downtown Services:8:55 a.m. First Awakening10:00 a.m. Sunday School11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship