First Edition Newsletter - March 6, 2013

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

March 6, 2013 | Volume 12 Issue 5 jacksonfumc.org

SEEKING GOD | KNOWING CHRIST | SHARING HIS LOVE

FIRST EDITIONFIRST EDITIONDOWNTOWN JACKSON

to a newly approved partner family who completed the criteria listed above. The two through Probate were out of our hands as well as the two which burned. The Board of Directors authorized the sale of the remaining houses.

How many Habitat Houses are occupied now? 100%

What kind of support will be provided to the family receiving the home?Each home is assigned a “Nurturer” for the family before the construction of the home is begun. FUMC member, Bettye Labry will be serving in that role for this year’s Habitat House. Bettye will be working with the family unit, helping them set goals and offering guidance in anyway needed.

How can you help?Give (Up) for Lent to PRAY, BUILD, FEED, GIVE! The Mission Team goal is 300. So far, 140 of you have signed up. If you have not made a commitment yet, please prayerfully consider participating in this project in some way. Sign-up at jacksonfumc.org, by completing a card at church or by calling Paula Butler at 668-1273 or 694-5090.

There is something for EVERYONE to do, including children and youth!

Daylight Saving Time Begins

March 10Set your clocks forward

one hour Saturday night!

Q&A from Terri KozlowitzDirector of Habitat

How does a recipient qualify for a Habitat House?• Must reside in Madison County and show

one year residency• Must have a minimum income of $1590.00

per month-- for a one person household. This is regulated by the HUD Income Limits.

• If employed, must show one year employment (consecutive accepted)

• If on disability, the $1590.00 income rule still applies

• Must be a first time homeowner • Must be willing to work the 500 “Sweat

Equity” hours requirement

Why build more houses? What is happening with the houses that are not occupied? 78 of the 100 houses built remain occupied. The difference between sixty-three mortgages and seventy-eight occupied houses is as follows: Eight homeowners have paid their mortgage in full and the final seven houses were built in partnership with DRS after the 2003 tornado – this explains the difference of fifteen. While do not hold the DRS mortgages, Habitat for Humanity International counted these house rebuilds in partnership with the City of Jackson as homes included in our inventory. Of the remaining twenty-two: six have relocated; four deeded their house back to Habitat; five original homeowners are deceased; two houses burned and the homeowner insurance company paid us, their mortgage company; two houses have been involved in Probate; two renters were evicted before they purchased the house and one was repossessed.

Of this number, five have been resold back

Habitat Construction 2011

Habitat Construction 2011

First Edition March 6, 2013 page 2

Weekly Opportunities

Sunday, March 10 8:55 AM First Awakening Service 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Service 3:00 PM Shelley Basketball Practice 4:00 PM Tuttle Basketball Practice 5:00 PM Current UMY

Monday, March 11 9:15 AM Staff Prayer 10:00 AM Department Head Meetings 1:30 PM Logistics Staff Meeting 1:30 PM Worship Planning Meeting 4:00 PM Foundation Officers 4:15 PM Zumba 5:30 PM Sr. Olympic Basketball 6:30 PM Women’s Ministry Committee

Meeting 6:30 PM Evangelism Committee 6:45 PM Boy Scout Meeting 7:15 PM Men’s Basketball Tuesday, March 12 7:00 AM Men’s Weekly Bible Study 9:30 AM Soul Sister’s “Finding Balance”

Bible Study 5:30 PM Foundation Board 5:30 PM Youth Church League

Basketball

Wednesday, March 13 10:00 AM Pastor’s Bible Study/Invitation

to Presence 12:00 PM Mid-Week Downtown Worship

Service 3:30 PM WINGS 3:30 PM WEF Open Gym 5:00 PM WEF Dinner 5:45 PM Confirmation Class 6:00 PM WEF Programming 6:00 PM Handbell Rehearsal 6:00 PM Youth WEF 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir

Thursday, March 14 4:15 PM Zumba 5:30 PM Sr. Olympic Basketball

Friday, March 15 10:00 AM Reserved for Baxter/Rettig

Wedding Reception 5:00 PM Rehearsal for Baxter/Rettig

Wedding

Saturday, March 16 3:00 PM Leslie Baxter/Austin Rettig

Wedding 4:00 PM Baxter/Rettig Wedding

Reception

Mission Notes

WRAP’S AnnualPANCAKEBREAKFASTSaturday, March 237:00-10:30 a.m.The Bakers Rack205 E. Lafayette StreetJackson, TN

$8.00 Adults $5.00 Children under 10

March Mission Focus: Birth Choice

Mission Chest Needs• Parents Choice 10 Pack Bib Boy/Girl• Parents Choice Diapers Jumbo Pack Sizes 2-5• Parents Choice Baby Wash/Shampoo/Lotion

20 oz• Parents Choice 3 pk Feeding Bottle (9 oz) and

Printed Bottle (5 oz)• Bright Starts Starry Teether Beads• Bright Starts License to Drool Keys• Baby wipes• Good Start formula

• Baby socks and footies• Baby food and juice• Other items may be

found at the baby registry at Wal-Mart by entering Birth as the first name and Choice as the last name.

Items may be left in the mission chest in the church lobby through the end of the month.

Successful Churchwide UMW Rummage Sale by Sue Harvey

We made over $2000 selling our rummage! And with the leftover items, donations were made to Birth Choice, RIFA, the library book sale and the Habitat for Humanity Restock Store. Many thanks to all the volunteers this year… from the men who showed up early on Thursday morning to help with all the unloading to the women who worked so hard sorting and pricing, to the helpers who showed up Saturday to get rid of it and pack up what wasn't sold. You are the best and I cannot thank you enough. Pretty good return on 3 days work and cleaned out garages and attics!

CAN YOU HELP?WRAP needs 5- 16.oz tubs of butter/margarine, total of about 5 lbs of butter.

Contact David Hollis at 422-4002 or [email protected]

Dianne Thorn

Birth Choice helps young women make choices about their pregnancy. yourprivatechoice.com


FUMC Kids’ NewsProverbs 22:6 - Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Weekly Opportunities

Sunday, March 17 8:55 AM First Awakening

Service 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Service 5:00 PM KWCC Kids Who Care Club 5:00 PM Current UMY

Monday, March 18 9:15 AM Staff Prayer 10:00 AM Department Head Meetings 10:00 AM Rebekah Circle Meeting 1:30 PM Logistics Staff Meeting 1:30 PM Worship Planning

Meeting 4:00 PM The Hub Club Students 4:15 PM Zumba 5:30 PM Sr. Olympic Basketball 6:45 PM Boy Scout Meeting 7:15 PM Men’s Basketball

Tuesday, March 19 7:00 AM Men’s Weekly Bible Study 8:00 AM Older Adult Ministry Seminar 6:00 PM Church Council Meeting 6:00 PM Stephen Ministry Cont. Ed.

Wednesday, March 20 10:00 AM Pastor’s Bible Study/Invitation

to Presence 12:00 PM Mid-Week Downtown Worship

Service 3:30 PM WINGS 3:30 PM WEF Open Gym 3:45 PM Brownies-Daisies (Troop

43088) 5:00 PM WEF Dinner 5:45 PM Confirmation Class 6:00 PM WEF Programming 6:00 PM Handbell Rehearsal 6:00 PM Youth WEF 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir

Thursday, March 21 4:15 PM Zumba 5:30 PM Sr. Olympic Basketball

Friday, March 22 12:00 PM Women’s Brown Bag Study -

Soul Sisters Production

Saturday, March 23 8:00 AM Habitat for Humanity

Construction 4:30 PM Room in the Inn

Big, Huge, Water Buffalo Sized Thank You to everyone who participated in

“The Sunday School Change War”

We have reached our goal in record time! The winner of the “under 18” division is the Children’s Ministry with 184.83 points! The winner of the “adult” division is the Upper Room Class with 89.13 points! The kids will deliver the money to Heifer International when they visit the headquarters in April.

Baby BlessingsThis Sunday March 10th at the 11 o’clock service.

Kids Who Care ClubMarch 17th 5:00-6:30

Palm SundayChildren will be singing and waving palms! March 24th both services. Easter Egg Hunt

March 24th 2:00-4:00 p.m.UM LambuthBring filled Easter Eggs to the boxes in the Children's Wing for our Easter Egg Hunt!


Youth News & Events

View the Youth Calendar http://bit.ly/109inoZ

Sunday n ights

through Easter

April 5, 5:00 p.m. untilApril 6, 9:00 p.m.

While we are there we will be doing service projects in the community and playing our own game of Survivor. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness about world hunger by experiencing hunger ourselves, and to raise money for World Vision.

Come and be blessed... bring a co-worker or friend!

Wednesday Noon Worship Service

with Holy Communionin the SanctuarySinging • ScripturePrayer • Reflection

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

Thanks to Boy Scout Troop 12 for hosting "Room In the Inn" on February 9 and to the Disciple Class who hosted on Saturday, February 23. The Scouts served ten men and gave gifts of warm clothing and other articles. The Disciple class had nine guests and took great pictures of their class hosting the men. We always try to have the basic toiletries available for our guests and a nutritious hot dinner, warm showers and lodging in the gym creates a safe, quiet night for them. Our next opportunities to host will be on Saturday, March 9 with The Abundant Life Sunday School Class hosting, March 23 with Religion For Life Sunday School Class hosting, and April 13 and April 27 hosted by The Genesis Sunday School Class.

The heart of "Room In the Inn" is the local volunteers from forty-six Jackson Churches who open their doors and welcome strangers as honored guests week after week. The intimate experience of eating together and sharing stories is the critical element in offering the gift of hospitality. In Luke 14:12-14, Jesus encourages us with these words, "When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, otherwise they may also invite you in return and that will be your repayment. But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled,

the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." It is a simple thing we do to give of our time and efforts but a huge gift to those who do not have much. It has been suggested that in conversation, we ask our guests to share their stories. Most do not have anyone who really cares that much about them and our gift of caring and concern may help to lift them up as they struggle to get out of the cycle of homelessness, dependency, and despair. "Open ARM", a vital part of the “Room In the Inn” program, works daily with these men to help them find more job opportunities, health care, counseling, mentoring, conducting Bible study and sharing the love of Christ, and much much more. Area Relief Ministries reported this week that three homeless men had found housing since the first of the year and quite a few have at least found temporary employment. "Open ARM" will soon be operating a downtown car wash with more opportunities for homeless men to work and become more independent.

Thanks for your help in this vital mission of our church, city and community. One life at a time, we can make a difference.

Sharon Matthews"Room In the Inn" Coordinator for FUMC


Memorials & Honoraria

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Judge Phil Harris (Father of Suzanne Welles) Phillip & Carol Ryan Sandra & Nip McKnight Laura Francis Burnett Mark & Debra Owen Angela O’Brien Nancy & Larry Brooke Pat & Jim Scott Kelly & Tom Butler Chuck & Patsy Camp Donald & Betty Newman Hugh, Sue, Dorothy & Suzanne Harvey

(Hospitality) Louanne & King Bond Ilanette Byrd Russ McWatters(Grandfather of Katie Hollis) Phillip & Carol Ryan

Dr. Frank Webb Gregg, Tracy, Kylie & Drake Adams

(Pastors’ Fund)

Margaret Dennison (Mother of Jim Dennison) Beth Bates

James Boswell (Husband of Anne Boswell) Nancy & Larry Brooke Jennifer & Sharkey McClelland Beth Bates

Richard Murchison (Husband of Ann Murchison) Nancy & Larry Brooke

Adult OpportunitiesPam Jaco, [email protected]

Altar Guild Memorials FUMC Altar Guild is now accepting memorials and honoraria for use in decorating the church during the Easter season. If you would like to make a gift in memory or honor of a loved one, please mail or bring your contribution to the church office by Wednesday, March 13. Names will be listed in the Easter Newsletter, which will be mailed on March 20 and the Easter Sunday bulletin, March 31. Please mark your check “Easter decorations” and include a note with the name(s) as you would like them to appear. Contributions may be sent to: FUMC, Attn. Charlene Barnett, 200 South Church St., Jackson, TN 38301. If you have any questions, please call Charlene at the church office, 422-4002.

Music NotesDarian Krimm, Director of Music and Worship Arts

FUMC presents

Choir and Orchestra & Dramatic Presentation This dramatic musical experience for Holy Week will retell the story

of the Last Supper shared by Jesus and the disciples.

Maundy Thursday, March 286:00 p.m.

Older Adults on the MoveOlder Adult Ministries SeminarTuesday, March 19Jackson FUMC9 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.$15 per person (Cost includes lunch)Registration deadline Monday, March 11. No walk-ins, please. Scholarships are available.

“You Can’t Take it with You” Nancy Choate, Attorney at Law, Jackson, TN “Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate?” Dr. Amy Hastings Elizer, Extension Agent and Country Director, University of Tennessee Extension in Madison County.

“When an Older Adult Needs to Move: Shepherding a Smooth Transition.”Janine Willis, owner of Good to Go—home packing and Senior Moves, Memphis, TN

Interested? Call Pam Jaco, 422-4002 or [email protected]


Money is a neutral commodity, a means of exchange. It is neither inherently good nor evil. But a wrong view of money can become a problem to us.

In 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Scripture warns about the dangers of a determination to get rich: “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs.”

When we have a consuming desire to get rich, when we are obsessed with money so that it becomes the focus of our time and attention, then we have made it the number one priority in our lives. In that spot, it replaces everything, including God. We begin to find our security in money, not in God and in God alone.

However, when our view of God is right and our view of money is right, we will realize that money cannot buy security; money cannot purchase happiness; money cannot guarantee peace or joy or contentment. God alone can provide these essentials as we “...seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.”

In his book, The Gift of Giving, Wayne Watts said this: “God always lovingly instructs us in the path that is in our best interest and which will bring us the greatest happiness in life. Therefore, for our good, He instructs us to put Him first in all things, and this includes how we use our money.”

How do you view money? Is it at the center of your life, thereby perhaps replacing God’s rightful role? And equally important, are you using the money God has given to you to advance His kingdom and His righteousness?

APPLYING BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES

Guest Speaker: Bishop Bill McAlilly5:00 p.m. - Dinner 7:00 p.m. - ProgramArchers Chapel UMC, 356 Archer's Chapel Rd., Frog Jump, TN (Crockett County in the Brownsville District)

Palm Sunday | March 24 *8:55 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service 10:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages *11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service 2-4:00 p.m. Easter Egg Hunt UofM Lambuth

* Procession of Palms and Children’s Choirs singing

Holy Wednesday | March 27 5:00 p.m. Dinner - $6 adult, $4 kids, $20 Family Max. 6:00 p.m. Lenten Prayer Stations

Maundy Thursday | March 28 6:00 p.m. The Living Last Supper Musical/Drama

Good Friday | March 29 12:00 p.m. JAMA Worship Service

Easter Sunday | March 31 8:00 a.m. Communion Service 8:55 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service 10:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service

Receive New Life This Easter!

Rebekah Circle MeetingMar. 18 • 10:00 a.m.

Hostess: Alice Eblen24 Doe Meadow Cove

Co-Hostess: Barbara LifseyProgram:YADA at Northside UMCLisa Clements

Questions? Contact: Charles Gilliland, President, Memphis Conference United Methodist Men, [email protected]

Men of all ages welcomed!

Prayer Breakfast

Tuesday, March 267:00-8:00 AM

Breakfast Donation $5 Clayton Hall

Speaker: Dr. Robert Hopper

“A Recap of a Medical Mission Trip to Haiti”


Women’s MinistriesMary Beth Bernheisel, [email protected]

SoulSisters

SoulSisters

Women’s Brown Bag Bible StudyJoin us on your lunch break for a time of refreshment and renewal. Women of all ages and stages invited.

March 22 • Noon - 1:00 PM4th Friday of each month

111 - Murray Guard Drive, Suite B, conference room

Help Needed: Nursery and ChildcareJackson FUMC is looking for four individuals to assist with childcare for church events on an as-needed basis. Individuals need to be CPR-certified and available primarily for weekday and some weeknight church events as they arise. Qualified individuals need to be prepared to work either with nursery-age children (birth through age three) or childcare-age children (4 years old through 5th grade). FUMC is an equal opportunity employer.

Contact: Mary Beth Bernheisel or Alyssa McLoughlin at 731-422-4002 or by email at [email protected] or [email protected].

RIFA Soup Kitchen Sign-ups

in church lobby

Sign up for the week of Monday, March 25 through Saturday,

March 30

An Evening with

Joey WilliamsSpiritual & Motivational SpeakerDo you have a special dream? Believe in yourself and “Go for it!”

SoulSisters

presents

April 16

Tuesday 9:30-11:00 a.m.Church Library

Wednesday (WEF)6:00-7:00 p.m.

Room 117 - Upper RoomNursery provided

Finding BalanceLoving God with Heart & Soul, Mind &

Strength

A New Bible StudyTuesdays

9:30-11:00 a.m.Starting April 2

Becca StevensChaplain, St. Augustine’s at Vanderbilt; Author; Founder, Magdalene & Thistle

Farms (www.thistlefarms.org)

SAVE THE DATE! AUGUST 24

First AwakeningCelebration Choir

1 month, 2 opportunities! The FA Celebration Choir is always looking to add new worshippers! We will lead worship in First Awakening on Sunday, March 17. Our rehearsal will be Wednesday, March 14, from 6-7 pm in Clayton Hall. We also invite you to join us on Easter Sunday, March 31. Our rehearsal will be Wednesday, March 28.

For more information, contact Allison Tubbs at

[email protected]


Getting Better Acquainted With Our Members

by Bobbie Mays Director of Communications

Ken Marston was born in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee to Raymond and Ola Marston, the third son of four children. Remembering with fondness what a wonderful childhood he had, he recalls, too, how his family was always involved in the Coleman Memorial Methodist Church. His earliest church memory was as a toddler when he played in that “of-so-fun” sandbox! The years passed with remembrances of Sunday School and youth activities. Then, in 1947, as President of the MYF District Organization, he was chosen to attend the Methodist Youth World Conference in Cleveland, Ohio. What an experience! But, what he learned most, and reported back to his home church, was what he witnessed on New Year’s Eve.

With the conference over for the day, Ken and a fellow delegate were waiting for a bus to take them back to their lodgings standing in front of “The Cleveland Plain-Dealer” newspaper office. People were scurrying out of the building in all directions anxious to celebrate New Year’s Eve. As one of the paper’s employees was walking out, he spoke to Charlie, an older gentleman perhaps also an employee. He invited him to join a group who were going out drinking and partying. Charlie looked at him, smiled, and said, “No, not me. I’ll be on my knees thanking God for sparing my life.” That was a profound simple truth for Ken as he contrasted the two men and their choices for celebration.

After graduating from Lawrence County High School in 1948, he planned to enroll at MTSU in the fall. One day that summer, while assisting his dad, a construction painter, he received a message that there was a phone call for Ken Marston at a nearby service station. A gentleman at Radio Station WKSR, Pulaski, Tennessee wanted to talk with him. Surprised and not knowing why

he would be calling, Ken returned the phone call to learn he was being invited to audition as a staff announcer for the station. Having served as class president in his high school freshman and senior years, it was easy and natural for Ken to talk before groups at both church and school. Having an opportunity to try out for this job was exciting beyond belief!

At age seventeen, this one single event changed the course of his life.

As part of the audition he was asked if he “knew anything about football?” He answered that he did and was dispatched with an engineer to record comments about the local school’s afternoon practice session. The task was to describe what was happening on the practice field. When management listened to the tape, Ken was instantly offered the job as staff announcer and play-by-play man. He was then asked, “How soon can you start?” On Sunday of that same weekend, Ken “signed on” at WKSR all by himself. “It was the most exciting, wonderful period of my life.”

Important to know is another exciting time for him when this beautiful, sweet, young fifteen year old Peggy Armstrong

and her family moved to Lawrenceburg. Her father was an agriculture teacher and as a part of the GI Bill for returning war veterans, he was selected to teach agricultural science in Lawrence County. Peggy and Ken were in the same Junior class at school and soon became sweethearts.

With his new job that he absolutely loved, his

plans for MTSU were shelved for a time. He

was with WKSR for another year until the station was sold at which time he transferred to Rounsaville Station WBAC, Cleveland, Tennessee. In October, 1949 he and Peggy were married. After moving to Cleveland they joined First Methodist Church immediately. Six months later Ken was offered a job at Station WJJM, Lewisburg, Tennessee which he first declined with thanks. A few hours later another offer came from that company with a greater salary, an upscale apartment with utilities paid, free of cost, and a copywriting job for Peggy. It was an offer they just could not pass up.Their life continued to be blessed and enriched even more with the birth of their first child.

Working at WJJM for one year, he then joined the Aaron B. Robinson Enterprises, 1951, assisting in construction of Dixie Network Station WDXE, Lawrenceburg. In 1954 he became station manager. In 1956 he became a Network Vice President and Stockholder. In 1961, with the unexpected death of Mr. Robinson, Ken was chosen to become General Manager for the Network including WDXI-AM, WDXI-TV Jackson, WENK, Union City, WDXE, Lawrenceburg, WTPR, Paris, WDXN, Clarksville, all Tennessee, and WCMA, Corinth, Mississippi. Ken and Peggy and their three children, Janey, Chip, and Karen, moved to Jackson in January, 1962.

While his professional career had been

Ken, age 17, signed on at WKSR

Ken Marston


so rewarding so had involvement in community and church activities been another wonderful part of their lives. Ken taught youth and college age students at Forest Heights UMC while serving in a variety of other laity posts. From 1965-66, he served as President of Jackson’s YMCA, was a charter member of the city appointed Human Relations Board in 1968 and has served as a board member for the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce, The Salvation Army, Jackson Industrial Board, and has been Chairman of the Board at Jackson Energy Authority since 2007.

In 2004, he and Peggy moved their membership to FUMC.

One of his favorite professional experiences was in 1971 when he attended a White House Reception at the invitation of President Nixon. He was a member of the board of directors, National Association of Broadcasters from 1969-73 and while attending a semi-annual meeting in Washington, D.C. the board was invited to meet with Mr. Nixon.

When it was Ken’s time to be introduced to the President by White House Director of Communications Herb Klein, Mr. Nixon asked Ken about the radio and television business in Jackson. Briefly answering his questions, Nixon told him he had been to Jackson in 1964

campaigning for Presidential candidate Barry Goldwater. Ken vividly remembered that event which started out on the “Courthouse Square” but ended up inside The New Southern Hotel because of a thunderstorm. He shared that Mr. Nixon said, “They put me in a stuffy elevator and took me up to the mezzanine where a large room was available for the event.” Ken was impressed the President recalled with clarity that visit but even more “blown away” when he said, “Mr. Marston, as I recall, the name of that room was The Gold Room.” Of course, he was absolutely correct!

After a twenty-six year broadcasting career, the Dixie Network Stations were sold under favorable conditions in December, 1973. The next year, he went on to manage the transition of the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters into a fulltime trade association moving offices and operations from UT-Knoxville to the L&C Tower in Nashville. And, at the age of forty-three, Ken asked himself, “What am I going to do now for my next career?” Parlaying marketing and advertising experience into a consulting business, he established Ken Marston & Associates in 1975 offering marketing and public relations strategies. In 2008, after completing a sixty-year career in commercial broadcasting, marketing and public relations he retired.

Listening to Ken enthusiastically share about his career and family, his eyes

sparkle and his radiant personality takes on a whole new aura when talking about Peggy. She had been so encouraging and supportive of him when they made various moves for his career advancement. Peggy has been that wonderful caring wife and mother so gracious, positive, loving, thoughtful of others and such a follower of Christ. In 1985, at age fifty-four,

she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, cancer of the lymphoid tissues. She was referred by her doctor in Jackson to an oncologist at Vanderbilt who started her on a new and highly toxic cancer treatment for which she was required to stay at Vanderbilt for thirty days. She was able to return home for a month than return for another thirty days of chemotherapy. One morning, while Peggy and Ken were in the room it was very quiet. Sitting near her bed, suddenly for just a few seconds, he felt a moment of levitation. Instantly, without a word to Peggy, she asked him if he felt something different for she was experiencing the same sensation. Together, they knew that powerful moment could only be the result of many praying for them. Peggy came home in remission and has remained so since.

During those months at Vanderbilt her physician team saw what a positive attitude she had and how confident she was about her course of treatment and its outcome. They asked her to talk to other patients receiving similar care, which she happily did while never complaining about her own aggressive treatments, but she always encouraged others not to give up and to have hope.

Ken and Peggy celebrated their 63rd anniversary in October, 2012. As the proud parents of three, they also have enjoyed the successes of their six grandchildren and the joys of one great-grandchild. They are no longer able to come to church as Ken is caring for Peggy at home now. But, Ken maintains a deep interest in what FUMC is doing, keeping up with sermons online, staying connected through the newsletters and keeping in touch with church friends. He feels so blessed and so thankful to God every day. In reflection and conclusion, one of his favorite scripture passages from Paul’s letter to Timothy, and one shared through the years with the youth he taught, is one to inspire all, “For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and a sound mind.” (Timothy 1:7)

White House Reception (1971)


While I’m Waiting by Jenni Thorn

Waiting…not something I am good at but something I have done my fair share of. I have waited for test results, answers, connections, phone calls and opportunities. One of my favorite songs, “While I’m Waiting,” by John Waller, has put into words the thoughts in my mind so many times. “I'm waiting, I'm waiting on You Lord/And I am hopeful, I'm waiting on You Lord/Though it is painful, but patiently I will wait/And I will move ahead bold and confident/Taking every step in obedience.”

Richard and I prayed and prepared for a child. We waited on that phone call from the adoption agency. Meanwhile, the nursery was painted and stocked in anticipation of the child that would one day be able to sleep in there. At times, the wait seemed unbearable. We worked so hard and prepared, only to have to wait. Nearly two years later, the call came and all that waiting was worth it.

Pastor and writer, Dr. Vance Havner once said, “God marks across some of our days, ‘Will explain later.’” It is easy to forget that while we are waiting and it seems nothing is happening, God is busy at work behind the scenes and in people’s lives.

In January, 2012, God led me to a new outlet of service for Him, Stephen Ministry. Through months of training on what Stephen Ministry is and who it is for, I prayed for and waited with anticipation for the person that I would be able to get to know and provide care to through this ministry.

Stephen Ministry is a one on one, confidential, Christian care giving ministry. Stephen Ministry is for anyone who:• needs someone to talk to, • is struggling with their faith in God, • is discouraged, anxious, or lonely, • is coping with divorce, job loss, illness or grief, • or is going through a transition in their life.

I completed Stephen Ministry training and was commissioned, alongside others in May, 2012. I find myself, once again, prepared and waiting, all the while, praying.

Are you or is someone you know going through things in life and need someone to listen? Do you have questions that you are seeking answers to? Have you been pleading with God and need someone to walk along side of you as you wait? You do not have to be a member of this church to request a Stephen Minister. You just have to be someone looking for a connection with another person as you go through this valley in your life. To find out more about Stephen Ministry and how to receive a Stephen Minister, contact David Hollis at 422-4002 or Tharon Kirk at 660-4354. There are Stephen Ministers praying and waiting for you.

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS NEWS The Chapel is restored… Three classes have moved to new locations… A new class, “The Well,” has begun.

You’re invited to stop by the “new Chapel” in the lower level in the Newman Center. Many thanks to Jim Weaver and Bobby Johnson who spearheaded the project restoring the pews to their natural beauty!

Recent Classroom Changes• The Disciple and Abundant Life Sunday School classes are now meeting in the Chapel.

• The Family Life Forum Sunday School, moved into their new “home” in Rm. 119 (formerly the Follower’s class)

• The Followers Class is now meeting on the Mezzanine.

Looking for an opportunity to grow in faith? Discover the joy of being involved in a small group ministry offered by these and other classes: College Life, Dick Nunn, Genesis, Good Goats, Laura Russell/Tri Mu, Religion for Life, Upper Room, Wesley Fellowship and Women in Christ.

Pick up a Sunday School brochure in the lobbies for class descriptions and details.

New Sunday School Class: The Well Room 114 - EmmausThe Well is a new class designed for those searching for a group of believers who will partner with them on their spiritual journey. Comprised of couples and singles of blended ages and backgrounds, this group will appeal to those wanting a relaxed, discussion based format with lots of laughter, sharing and fellowship. Class members as well as guest teachers will lead the group through in-depth Bible study as well as contemporary book studies and faith application topics. We are developing associations with specific mission opportunities and are looking forward to planning a variety of social activities. Come as you are and meet us at The Well.

StephenMinistry


Do you feel called to pray for others?

Join the Worship Support Prayer Team. These teams are in the Prayer Chapel on Sundays during First Awakening (8:55 a.m.) and Traditional Worship (11:00 a.m.) to pray for pastors, worship leaders, and the congregation, as well as for specific prayer requests submitted during prayer time at the service.

If interested, contact Tammy McCoy, [email protected]

Praying HeartsAsk A PastorBring your questions about God, church, United Methodism or Christianity. Each week you will have the opportunity to submit your questions to David Hollis who will lead the group in exploring and discussing at least three questions.

Fathered by God A study for men, late teens to senior years, led by Mike Butler and Dave Bratcher based on John Eldridge’s recent book which shares the title.

Finding BalanceThis womens study led by Betsy Dement will help you consider the question of balance in your life - between service and worship, duty and devotion, doing and being.

Eat... Sleep... BridgeBeginners and advanced players alike, come play bridge on the Activity Center Mezzanine with instructor, Emily Freeman.

Room 119 - Upper Room

Room: 109 - Genesis

Mezzanine

Room: 118 - Religion for Life

Through March 20th

Dinner & Classes each WednesdayDinner 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. • Clayton Hall

$6 Adults, $4 Children, $20 Family Max.Classes/Activities 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday Evening Classes

Children/Youth ProgrammingYouth Programming “The Current”Wednesday & Sunday5:00-7:00 p.m.

Children’s Programming “The Backyard” Wednesdays5:00-6:00 p.m. Dinner & Open Gym, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Music and Group TimeAt 6:00 p.m. parents sign in kids in the gym and sign kids out at 7:00 p.m. in their classes.

Girl Scouts - Brownies/Daisies 1st/3rd/5th Wed. • 3:45-5:00 p.m.

Kids Who Care ClubFebruary 24, March 175:00-6:30 p.m.

Easter Egg HuntMarch 24 • 2:00-4:00 p.m. University of Memphis at Lambuth

SoulSisters

ASK APASTOR

First Edition March 6, 2013

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDJACKSON, TENN.PERMIT NO. 116

jacksonfumc.org

Sunday Morning Worship

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

A Stephen Ministry Congregation

A Safe Sanctuaries Congregation

Traditional Worship ServiceSanctuary • 11:00 a.m.

First Awakening Contemporary Worship Service Clayton Hall • 8:55 a.m.

Sunday School

10:00 a.m.

DOWNTOWN JACKSON

“Straightforward Councel“ Dan Camp, preaching • Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:10-17

Like us on FacebookFUMC Jackson TN

Follow us on Twittertwitter.com/jacksonfumc

SundayMar. 10

Fourth Sunday in Lent

SundayMar. 17

“Last Instructions” Mary Beth Bernheisel, preaching • Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-8

Fifth Sunday in Lent

Daylight Saving Time Begins March 10Set your clocks forward one hour Saturday night!

Documents

First Edition Newsletter - March 6, 2013