First Edition Newsletter - November 19 2014

November 19, 2014 | Volume 13 Issue 19 jacksonfumc.org

SEEKING GOD | KNOWING CHRIST | SHARING HIS LOVE

DOWNTOWN JACKSON

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

FIRST EDITIONFIRST EDITION

5th Sunday Combined Worship November 30 • Sanctuary

10:00 a.m. “If Only...” Jeff Rudy, preaching9:00 a.m. Sunday School

No worship service at Andrews ChapelSoup and Sandwich Lunch in Clayton Hall after Worship

Family Advent NightWednesday, December 3

5:00-6:00 p.m. Dinner & Children’s Christmas Musical 6:00-7:00 p.m. Family Fun Activities in the Gym

Reelfoot Rural Ministries Assemble toiletry kits for needy children along with a pair of warm socks and a snuggly toy.

Witnesses in God’s Sanctuary (W.I.N.G.S.)Make warm fleece blankets (in their favorite colors!) for each of the children participating in the tutoring program.

Of course, there will be the cookie decorating, a candy cane walk and other activities as well. Come and be a part of the celebration of giving!

Marilynn Eblen – Recreation MinistryJenni Thorn – Children’s MinistryPaula Butler – Missions Committee

5 Stations of GivingAs we enter the season of Advent, we look forward to the many wonderful traditions that we celebrate together as a church family. Over the past several years Family Advent Night has become one of those special traditions. This year will continue that tradition with a new focus: 5 Stations of Giving. At each station there will be an opportunity to make or assemble items that will be beneficial to the organizations that FUMC supports in many ways throughout the year. How to participate: • Be a part of the making/assembling • Be a stations volunteer, overseeing the production of our gifts.

Our 5 Stations of Giving are:

Area Relief Ministries (A.R.M.)Assemble toiletry kits for homeless men that participate in the Room in the Inn program.

Habitat for Humanity Make “Soup in a Jar” which holds the ingredients for a hot, delicious meal for our Habitat families.

Regional Interfaith Association (R.I.F.A.)Assemble snack bags for the Snack Backpack Program that feeds hungry school children in our community.

The Season of Advent

The Children’s Choir of First United Methodist Church wants to wish you all a HAPPY NEW (church) YEAR in our Family Advent Night Program written by Amanda Larsen Wells, First Awakening Music Coordinator/Director of Children’s Choirs. Come enjoy a delicious meal and cheer on our kids as they share with you new songs they’ve learned, and a skit explaining all about Advent! We hope to see everyone on Wednesday night, December 3rd!

A Celebration of Giving

First Edition November 19, 2014 page 2

Calendar of Events

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

check the calendar at jacksonfumc.org

Sunday, November 23 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 1:15 PM Kids Who Care Club (meet at

RIFA)

Monday, November 24 9:00 AM Kids at First 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball

Practice 7:00 PM Boy Scout Troop 12 7:00 PM Men’s Basketball

Tuesday, November 25 5:30 PM J-Town Basketball

Wednesday, November 26 No church events scheduled

November 27-28 Church Offices Closed for

Thanksgiving

Saturday, November 29 10:00 AM Member Birthday Party

Sunday, November 30 9:00 AM FUMC Sunday School 10:00 AM Combined Worship Service 11:00 AM 5th Sunday Lunch

Monday, December 1 9:00 AM Kids at First 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 7:00 PM Boy Scout Troop 12 7:00 PM Men’s Basketball

Tuesday, December 2 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 4:15 PM FitFirst 5:30 PM J-Town Basketball

Wednesday, December 3 9:00 AM Kids at First 10:00 AM Pastor’s Bible Study 2:30 PM WINGS 3:45 PM Girl Scouts 4:30 PM Confirmand Scripture Reading

Practice 5:00 PM Open Gym-Youth 5:00 PM Family Advent Meal

Music NotesDarian Krimm, Director of Music and Worship Arts

You’re invited to a service of

Carols andCandles

with Choir and Orchestra

Sunday, December 146:00 p.m. • Sanctuary

Reception to followNursery provided

Carols and Candles 2013

Confirmand Readers

My name is Anna Marie Speight. I am in the 6th grade. I have two siblings, Morgan (17) and Maxwell (11). I like to play sports and swim in my pool. I spend alot of time reading. My favorite place to go is the beach.

Hello, my name is Max Speight. I go to Trinity Christian Academy. I play football and basketball. I also enjoy reading and listening to music. I have sinned, and that is why I have Jesus. I believe that God is the Father and that he sent Jesus for us, and sent the Holy Spirit to guide us.


Calendar of Events

6:00 PM Family Advent Night 6:00 PM Handbells 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir

Thursday, December 4 4:15 PM FitFirst

Friday, December 5 No church events scheduled

Saturday, December 6 11:30 AM Bishop’s Cabinet Christmas

Luncheon 2:00 PM Member Birthday Party

Sunday, December 7 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 4:00 PM Blue Christmas Service 5:00 PM “The Current” UMY Christmas

Party

Monday, December 8 9:00 AM Kids at First 5:30 PM Senior Olympic Basketball 5:30 PM Hot Chocolate Ministry 7:00 PM Boy Scout Troop 12 7:00 PM Men’s Basketball

Tuesday, December 9 4:15 PM FitFirst 5:30 PM J-Town Basketball

Wednesday, December 10 9:00 AM Kids at First 10:00 AM Pastor’s Bible Study 2:30 PM WINGS 4:30 PM Confirmand Scripture Reading

Practice 6:00 PM Handbells 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir

Thursday, December 11 4:15 PM FitFirst

Friday, December 12 11:00 AM Adventures in Learning

Saturday, December 13 10:00 AM Jackson District Clergy Advent

Brunch 10:00 AM Drop and Shop 2:00 PM Carols and Candles Rehearsal 2:30 PM Member Birthday Party 4:30 PM Room in the Inn

Sometimes “Merry Christmas” is just “Not So Merry”

Blue Christmas Service:A Service of Healing and Hope

Sunday, Dec. 7 • 4:00 p.m. • Sanctuary Rev. Jerry Jeffords, preaching

Nursery Provided (infants - age 3)Are you feeling ”blue” because you are facing the holidays without a loved one? Maybe you are living with cancer or some other illness and wondering about your future. Perhaps you are confronting life after a separation or a divorce. Or, maybe you have lost a job or you are dealing with financial concerns.

Whatever the reason, if you or someone you know is hurting and you are looking for a service that recognizes your suffering, you are invited to journey from the darkness toward God’s light.

Hot Chocolate Ministryand Carol Singing

As a gesture of hospitality and evangelism to the downtown community, FUMC will once again “Carol on the Steps” of the church and serve complimentary hot chocolate at the Jackson Christmas Parade.

Join in the fun!5:30 p.m. Pizza/salad for carolers & helpers6:00 p.m. Caroling6:30 p.m. Hot Chocolate at Parade

Dec. 8 5:30 p.m.

No reservations needed. All are welcome!


Mission CornerPaula Butler, Missions Chair

Volunteer Opportunities for the Christmas Experience at the HUB Club

Sunday, Dec. 7 2-4 p.m. Help decorate float for the Christmas Parade

Monday, Dec. 8 5:30 p.m. Help at the parade

Thursday, Dec. 18 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Help decorate rooms at the HUB club Decorations will already be there.

Friday, Dec. 19 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Assist with activities at the Christmas Experience for the Hillcrest Neighborhood Provide snacks, appetizers for the Hospitality Room

The HUB club is located in the old Hillcrest Baptist Church Building, 201 Ash Street. You may sign up to volunteer online at www.areareliefministries.org/deckthehub

SERVING OPPORTUNITIES...

Area Relief Ministries Needs:

The H.U.B. Club is an after-school tutoring program for children in the Hillcrest neighborhood. It is located in the old Hillcrest Baptist Church building.

This Christmas, A.R.M. is having a Christmas Experience on December 19 from 11:00- 2:00 for the Hillcrest Community. Parents who want to get Christmas gifts for their children will have to volunteer to help decorate, make food, work in the various venues that will be available, etc.

The children will have opportunities to earn points/credits to get gifts from each of four areas: Wear, Want, Need, and Read. In each area there will be materials available for the children to make a gift or items to give to people in the community, i.e. The Hillcrest Nursing Home, etc. After they have made something for someone else, they may choose an item for themselves or as a gift for someone else.

SAVE THE DATE

Drop & ShopDecember 13

10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.Lunch Available $5

Infant - 5th Grade

Sign up by Dec. 5 at jacksonfumc.org

or call 422-4002

Gym Time

Crafts

Movie

Food & Fun

Andrews Chapel Campus

5:30 p.m. Candlelight Communion Service featuring the First Awakening Worship

Team

Downtown CampusWorship with Communion:

4:00 p.m.Communion Only: 5:30 p.m.

Christmas Eve Communion Services

December 24


November Mission Focus: Reelfoot Rural Ministries Gifts for All Ages

November Mission Chest Needs:

Infants Under 12 Months - Toys and clothesAges 1-5 - Educational toys & CD/DVDs, car and riding toys, doll accessories, LegosAges 6-8 - Jewelry, purses, hair accessories, flashlights, journals, dress-up clothesbaseballs/softballs, bats, gloves, bikes, scooters, skateboards, handheld gamesAges 9-13 - Nerf balls, video games, fishing poles and tackle, handheld games Transformers, skateboards, bikes, hair products, barrettes, art & craft supplies, make-up Ages 14-16 - DVD/CD/MP3 players, posters/pictures, flashlights, alarm clocks, cameras, pens, journals, skateboards, bike, mountain bike, roller skates, cookbooks, outdoor gamesSenior Citizens - Elastic shoe laces, pajama sets, electric blankets, robes, house shoes, billfolds, night gowns, socks, shoes, shirts, pants, sweat shirts, sweaters, throws, gift cards, purses, tee shirts, men’s belts, gloves, watches, light weight jackets, jewelry, brushes, manicure sets, dish towels, bath towels, sheet sets, blankets (double & queen)

For more gift ideas, go to jacksonfumc.org, under the Missions tab, Monthly Mission Focus

Drop items off in the collection box in your Sunday School class or place in the “Way to Give” arch Sunday, November 30.

Help make Christmas a little merrier!

Looking for a Family Christmas

Project?

Sign up at jacksonfumc.org and Mark Johnstone will contact you about serving at one of the three sites available (Kroger Stonebridge, Macys, and Sam’s Club). Make it fun by dressing up, bringing your dogs, playing music, singing carols and/or wearing FUMC apparel! Bring the family! For more information call Mark at 668-1812, Ext (302), or e-mail [email protected]

Sign up to volunteer at

jacksonfumc.org

Bell RingingSaturday, December 20

• Join the team on the ground• Spread the word to others in

our community• Pray for the mission trip

We can ALL be a part of this journey.

Signup deadline: January 12

Mission Trip

FUMC

April 11-17, 2015

SHARING CHRIST’S LOVE

Be a part of our Mission to Haiti

Contact Susan Crocker, [email protected] 2013 Bell Ringers


2015 Stewardship Update Cards AmountsTotal Year To Date for 2015 as of 10/31/14 223 $1,271,952Total Year To Date for 2014 as of 10/31/13 233 $1,280,589 Total Year To Date for 2013 as of 10/31/12 240 $1,209,977

If you have not completed and submitted your 2015 Estimate of Giving card, please do so this week. Every gift from every

household makes a difference in God’s ministry at FUMC.

2015 Pledges Year - To - Date Cards Amounts No Change In Pledge 125 $723,282Increase In Pledge 69 $406,770Decrease In Pledge 19 $97,320New Pledges 10 $44,580

“Then the people rejoiced because they had offered so willingly, for they made their offering to the Lord with a whole heart, and King David also rejoiced greatly.”- 1 Chronicles 29:9

79% 100%

November 16, 2014Currently Received

$1,308,891

2014 Goal $1,660,000

FUMC Foundation BoardOn behalf of the Foundation Board, Jim Scott, Chair presented the Children’s Ministry and Kids@First with a check on November 17 for the purpose of a computerized check-in system and for upgrading the furniture for the nursery and Parents Day Out.

Jenni Thorn, Ashley Taylor, and Jim “Scotty” Scott

Altar Guild MemorialsFirst Church Altar Guild is now accept-ing memorials and honoraria for use in decorating the church during the Advent 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 Friday, December 5. Names will be listed in the Christmas Newsletter, December 10, and the Sun-day bulletin, December 21. Please mark your check “Christmas 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 or email [email protected].

FUMC FOUNDATION“An estimated 70% of all people who die do not have a Will or Living Trust? Without proper estate planning, neither you nor your Church nor any charity can receive gifts from your estate. Be sure your estate planning is up to date.”If you would like more information about the Foundation, please contact Jacki Hoveskeland at 731-422-4002 or stop by the church office.

What’s Happened?Thanks to your support for the repairs of the Sanctuary doors... Work has begun!

Stewardship Spotlight


Adult OpportunitiesPam Jaco, [email protected]

Let’s go together to The Jackson Symphony

Christmas Giftat First Baptist Church

This traditional free community Christmas Concert is full of your favorite carols and

the narrative of the Christmas story.

December 5 • 10:00 a.m.Meet at FUMC at 9:15 a.m.

Dutch treat lunch after concert at Rock’n Dough Pizza

For more information, contact Pam at [email protected] or 731-422-4002.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12

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

For reservations, call the church office at 422-4002 or sign up online at jacksonfumc.org by Noon, December 8.

Ensemble of the Jackson Choral Society directed by Darian Krimm There will be no

Prayer Breakfastin December

Church Life is a free and easy-to-use app. Instantly connect with members with your iPhone or iPad, using your member log-in to access.

Download it from the App Store

Advent Devotion Bookletsavailable

in Disciple Hall

Sunday, Nov. 23

The next Publication of the First Edition Newsletter is December 10

Please submit articles to [email protected] by Dec. 5

Signed up for your newsletter by e-mail? Faster delivery and lower costs help everyone. Visit jacksonfumc.org under Media to sign up today!

“It’ll save the church money... I can print it myself or just read it from my computer!”

- Dwayne Flatt


Memorials

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Russell Rice (Son of Edna Rice; Brother of Craig Stallings & David Rice) Mr. & Mrs. Henry Kipp Jim & Sharon Matthews (Hospitality) Woody & Eliza Forbes (Pastors’ Discretionary Fund) Mark & Debra Owen Debbie Gaines (Mother of Ben Gaines & Bailey Gaines; Daughter of Jerry & Mona Ward) Pamela Perchik Laura Francis & Bill Burnett Ray & Liz Bryant Roger & Kelly Murray Hunter & Suzanne Welles Laura & Billy Clemmons Charles & Betsy Cox (Pastor’s Fund) Robyn & Russell Lents Carolyn & Joe Gaffney The Harold Cashon, Jr. Family Patricia Stegall & Family Dottie Dorris Ernest, Ann & Meg Lawrence Ilanette Byrd Martha Jane & Joe Exum Woody & Eliza Forbes (Pastors’ Discretionary Fund) Alan & Betsy Dement Bonnie & Jerry Bayless Lina & Fred Bowyer Edyth Worthy Ed & June Critchfield

Ed Martin (Husband of Marion Martin; Father of Ann Lawrence, Ed Martin & Ginny Lewis) Leila Lawrence Charles & Betsy Cox (Pastor’s Fund) Robyn & Russell Lents Cyd & David Teague Laura Frances & Bill Burnett

Woody & Eliza Forbes (Pastors’ Discretionary Fund) Upper Room Sunday School Mark & Debra Owen Ed & Ginger Hare Kaye & Britt Hill Alan & Betsy Dement Joe & Anita Jo Byrd Brad & Beverly Denton Jim Hicks Dave & Diana Randall Carolyn Fry Dash

Ann Marshall (Wife of Earl Marshall) Dale Smith Brittain Ed & Ginger Hare

Phoebe CorumMona HicksVerla BrasherNancy BrookeLucy Butler Woody & Eliza Forbes (Pastors’ Discretionary Fund)

Grailyn Brooks (Mother of Tricia Odom; Berry Brooks & Susan Martin) Woody & Eliza Forbes (Pastors’ Discretionary Fund) Mark & Debra Owen Virginia Cawthon Amy Mallard

Jill Spring Hanks (Daughter of Steve & Cindy Spring) Mark & Debra Owen

Ed Crocker (Husband of Gayle Crocker) Woody & Eliza Forbes (Pastors’ Discretionary Fund) Brad & Beverly Denton

Linda McIntyre (Aunt of Sandy Brunner) Brad & Beverly Denton

Logan Bishop (Grandson of Sarah & Charlie Savery) Hunter & Suzanne Wells

“ I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me,

though he die, yet shall he live.” – John 11:25 KJV

Advent Book Reviewby Jennifer Trently

Sunday, November 30 will be the first Sunday in our season of preparation for Christmas. I would like to share about two new books published this year that are available for Advent study.

Not a Silent Night: Mary Looks Back to Bethlehem by Adam Hamilton takes an unusual approach by beginning at the end with examining the last mention of Mary in the Bible, in the book of Acts and then continues by having us think about the final years of her life. It concludes by asking us to think about what is our mission at Christmas. The second chapter focuses on the connection between Christmas and the cross. It explores Mary’s experience with Jesus’ death and invites us to look at the meaning of suffering. The third chapter moves to examining the experience of Jesus going to the temple and Mary being amazed at his understanding. The fourth chapter discusses the first chapter of Luke where the angel appears to Mary. The fifth brings us to the birth narrative of the second chapter of Luke and then moves us to examine the real gifts of Christmas. Scriptures combined with anecdotes and questions peppered throughout make this book suitable for individual or group study. There is also a DVD and leader’s guide available to enhance group study. Published by Abingdon Press, this book is available through Cokesbury and other sources in hardback, large print and e-book editions.

The second book, Every Valley: Advent with the Scriptures of Handel’s Messiah from Westminster John Knox Press also takes an unusual approach. It is a series of 40 Advent meditations written by

different authors using the verses from the Messiah and their corresponding scriptures. In each reflection; the verse is listed and then scripture is provided along with a reflection on the scripture. The meditations including the Messiah verses and scriptures are each around four pages making this perfect for daily reading and study. While there are not specific questions for each section; it could easily be adapted for group study with the scriptures being read and perhaps the verses of the Messiah being listened to as a group and then discuss them. Whether being used for individual or group study, this book could be continued through the Christmas and Epiphany Seasons. It is also available in hard back and e-book editions from Cokesbury.


Women’s MinistriesSusan Crocker, Director of Women’s Ministry, [email protected]

Find us on Facebook: “Soul Sisters Jackson FUMC”

Morning Jolt

Come as you are - gym clothes or ready for the day!

Tuesdays in January & February

9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Library

Starts January 6th

Women’s Ministry...we all hear the buzz word “Ministry”. Just what does that mean?

As we enter the season of Christmas, I definitely find my mind racing and my hands full. I remember when the kids were young, I said (like all mothers before me) “Do I look like I’m an octopus with 8 arms?”

I hope you join with me in 2015 making choices to do meaningful things that, Sing to your Soul.

We all have things we have to do....but how you spend your free time is your choice. I’ll have a new “Morning Jolt” group on Tuesday, “Done in a Day” missions, Book Club and a trip or two. Ministry happens everywhere... you have the opportunity. Just do it!

Ministry Is...• Listening when you’d rather fix the problem.• Searching for the joy, when it’s easier to say, “It’s not fair.”• Helping, when you feel you’re the one that needs the help.• Telling God, “use me” when you would rather ask to be rescued.• Encouraging, even when you don’t understand God’s reasoning.• Hugging when it feels awkward.• Saying, “let’s pray right now,” instead of“I’ll pray for you.”• Serving, when you doubt you have anything left to give.• Comforting, by being the flicker of light in others’ dark caverns.

Join the Book Club party! Bring a dish and book, new or used, to swap. Our book this month is set in Paris during WWII. It revolves around a young girl and her father. It is an expertly written piece of literature and his imagery is stunning. It was the top book to read at the Southern Festival of Books. Let Susan or Pam know you are coming; you won’t want to miss out!

SoulSisters

Between Friends

Book Club“All The Light We Cannot See”

by Anthony Doerr

Wednesday, Dec. 175:00 p.m. at Pam McCarty’s

house, 95 Alta Vista

“FUMC is a downtown church meeting the growing needs of younger generations”

Children’s MinistryJenni Thorn, Director of Children’s Ministries ([email protected])

Sunday, November 23 RIFA Soup KitchenJoin the Kids Who Care Club (4-5th graders) as we serve in the RIFA Soup Kitchen. Meet at RIFA, 133 Airways Blvd from 1:15 p.m.-3:15 p.m.

Saturday, January 17, 2015Polar Bear Swim1:00-3:00 p.m. at The LiftCost: $3 each. Register at jacksonfumc.org by January 14. All are welcome!

Sunday Morning Worship

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDJACKSON, TENN.PERMIT NO. 116

jacksonfumc.org

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

A Stephen Ministry Congregation

A Safe Sanctuaries Congregation

DOWNTOWN JACKSON

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SundayNovember 23

SundayNovember 301st Sunday of Advent

Combined Worship9:00 a.m. Sunday School

10:00 a.m. SanctuaryLunch to follow

No worship service.Combined Worship at

the Downtown Campus.

SundayDecember 72nd Sunday of Advent

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

“The Sorting King”Dan Camp, preachingEzekiel 34:20-24

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

“The Undercover King”Jeff Rudy, preachingMatthew 25:31-46

Dave Bratcher, preaching

“If Only...”Jeff Rudy, preachingIsaiah 64:1-9

“The Herald”Dan Camp, preachingIsaiah 40:1-5

Church Office Closed November 27-28Celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends

Documents

First Edition Newsletter - November 19 2014