The Tidings - January 2015

Tidings

January 2015

The

GERMANTOWN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Table of Contents

GUMC Life

Ministry Contacts

Children’s MinistryLisa Pierce - Director of Children’s Ministry758-6512 • [email protected]

Kristin Dickerson - Associate Director901-754-7216 • [email protected]

Janelle Crist - Associate Director901-758-6525 • [email protected]

Older Adults Beverly Rhoads - Elder Care Health Ministry Coordinator901-758-6513 • [email protected] Cromer • 755-0803 • [email protected]

United Methodist MenRev. Jack Henton • 754-7216• [email protected]

Adult EducationMary Groh - Director of Adult Education and Membership 754-5093 • [email protected]

Youth MinistryJason Baker - High School Director + College Connector, 758-6515 • [email protected] Sue Hyland - Middle School Director + Confirmation Director, 758-6516 • [email protected]

Health and RecreationTiffany Griffin - Director of Health & Recreation 901-753-3100 • [email protected]

Older Adults

Special Events

Adult Education

Youth Ministry

January Events

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8-10

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13-14

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from RichardAs we enter a new year, I share a piece I’ve shared before by Minnie Louise Haskins. It reminds us, both personally and as the GUMC community, where our trust and commitment need to lie this year . . . trusting in and connected to God:

I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year

‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’

And he replied,

‘Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God

That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way!’

So I went forth and finding the Hand of God

Trod gladly into the night

He led me towards the hills

And the breaking of day in the lone east.

The Communion offering on January 4 will be for the Senior

Pastor Discretionary Fund.

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Welcome

January Sermons

Welcome New Members

January 4 Communion Sunday “At the River Jordan” Mark 1:9-13

January 11 “How To Have A Great Year” John 10:7-10

January 18 Rev. Ryan Boatright “Responding to God’s Call” 1 Samuel 3:1-10

January 25 “A Man Named Zacchaeus” Luke 19:1-10

Margaret and Brad Kelley (11/23/14) Molly Aslin (11/02/14)Suzanne and Cameron Brackett (12/7/14)

Visit www.germantownumc.org/live on Sunday mornings to watch a live broadcast of our 9:40 and 11 am worship services.

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GUMC Life

On Wednesday, November 19, over 200 church members and guests gathered in the OLEC gym to share our annual church-wide Thanksgiving meal.

Catered by More Occasions by Marcie, we feasted on a buffet of turkey, dressing, and every salad and casserole imaginable! The most difficult part of the meal was choosing from the 20 different desserts on the “in your dreams” dessert table. Our very own chefs, Mark Schielke and Jay McKinney were kept busy in the kitchen carving turkeys. The United Methodist Women’s circles provided centerpieces for our tables. Each table was decorated by a different group of women, some were homemade, some were family treasures, and all were beautiful!

If you missed our Thanksgiving Dinner, please mark your calendars now for next year’s celebration of Thanksgiving on November 18, 2015. It promises to be a delightful (and fulfilling!) church event.

ThanksgivingA G U M C F A M I L Y

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GUMC Life

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GUMC Life

By Bryan Barger

Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me! (Psalm 66:20)

Some of you may suffer from an affliction similar to mine. Closing my eyes sometimes opens a gate, letting my mind free to wander. This is especially true when I try to be silent and listen for God’s message.

If you need help focusing during prayer, try letting your prayer take the form of a letter to God. You’ll be participating in a long standing tradition dating back to the Psalms. You’ll probably find that some of your letters are “keepers”. You’ll use them as the basis for future prayers. Try reading them aloud.

Even when we’re alone, words that are spoken can take on deeper meaning and commitment than those read silently.

Highlighting Prayer November Financial

United Methodist Men

Income Expense

Actual for Month 289,857 258,257

Budgeted for Month 285,890 265,842

Difference for Month 3,966 (7,584)

Actual YTD 2,781,645 3,036,009

Budgeted YTD 2,741,304 2,967,554

Difference YTD 40,340 68,455

Income Over/(Under) Expense

This Month 31,599

YTD (254,364)

January BreakfastScott Bjork, president and CEO of the Memphis Union Mission will be our guest speaker on Saturday, January 10 at 8 am in the Fellowship Hall. The purpose of the Memphis Union Mission is to minister to the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of men, women, and children who are homeless, addicted, and in crisis. Scott’s passion is to see God use the Mission not only to meet the physical needs of those it serves, but also to introduce them to Jesus as Savior. Cost of the breakfast is $5.

For reservations, call 754-7216 or email Christina Desio at [email protected]. Annual members need only call in their regrets.

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Adult Education

Wednesday Nights at GUMC

Breakfast for Dinner

New Adult Small Group Studies Starting Soon

Income Expense

Actual for Month 289,857 258,257

Budgeted for Month 285,890 265,842

Difference for Month 3,966 (7,584)

Actual YTD 2,781,645 3,036,009

Budgeted YTD 2,741,304 2,967,554

Difference YTD 40,340 68,455

Wednesday Nights at GUMC is our popular midweek venue that features home-style dinners, a variety of adult education classes, and fellowship! Our Chancel Choir also rehearses on Wednesday nights, so if that interests you, contact Music Director Jim Thrash. Don’t miss this great opportunity to get some midweek refreshment through study and enjoying the company of your church family.

The Winter/Spring 2015 dinner series will begin January 14 and end March 25 for a total of 10 dinners (skipping February 18 for our Ash Wednesday service). Dinners are held from 5:30-6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Cost is $8 for adults, $4 for children, and free for children 3 and younger. Reservations and payment are due each Monday by noon.

Dinner Card: This offers the option to pre-pay for the first five dinners (January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11). Your ticket is your reservation! No need to worry about coming by the church office during the week. Cards may be purchased from the church office or online for $40 (adults) and $20 (children). There are no refunds for unused dinners.

The Most Important Meal of the Day . . . at Night?

Join us on Wednesday night, January 7, for Breakfast for Dinner. Wear your pajamas and enjoy pancakes, fruit, eggs, bacon, and biscuits and gravy prepared by our United Methodist Men.

Breakfast for Dinner will be served in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall from 5:30-6:30 (that’s pm … in the evening!) Cost is $5 for adults, $3 for children (4-10), and free for children 3 and younger.

All proceeds from the meal will support UMM missions. Special entertainment will be provided by Sneaky Steve the Magician. (In his day job, Steve Pearl serves as Facilities Director at Christ UMC.) You may pay at the door, but we must know how much food to purchase so please make a reservation at germantownumc.org by noon on Monday, January 5.

What is GUMC offering for Adult Study? Pick up our Winter/Spring brochure now at one of our kiosks and find a small group study that interests you. Starting soon and through early March, we are offering short-term day and evening classes on topics including Bible study, prayer, parenting, and marriage. All are welcome to become part of what God is doing through the Adult Education Ministry at GUMC. Enrich your life and your involvement in GUMC’s faith community by making the commitment to be a part of a Small Adult Education Group! Please contact Mary Groh with any questions.

View & Register

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Older Adults

January Brown Bag Lunch

February Brown Bag Lunch

Mikki Duffey, Realtor with Crye-Leike Real Estate Services, will tell us “How to Sell Your House in the First 30 Days It Is on the Market.” This presentation will be Friday, January 9, in the Fellowship Hall. Please note the change in date from our regular schedule. The program starts at 11 am with lunch at noon. Bring your own sack lunch; the church will supply the beverages.

Call Luci Cromer, 755-0803, for more information. No reservations are needed. There will be a crossing guard on West Street to help with overflow parking. Mikki Duffey, Realtor with Crye-Leike

Real Estate Services

Learn about the Good Things Happening in Memphis at the February Brown Bag Lunch!

The Lipscomb Pitts Breakfast Club (LPBC) has put together a team of partner businesses that have come together to align resources and underwrite the cost of over 150 events each year to engage and impact the Memphis community. This collaboration has resulted in a force for good and an engine for growth in the Mid-South. Jeremy Park, President of the LPBC and columnist for the Commercial Appeal, is going to talk about the amazing things taking place in the Mid-South and how we can get involved for FREE at the February Brown Bag Lunch Series, an adventure in learning sponsored by the Older Adult Council. There will be a crossing guard on West Street to help with overflow parking.

TOPIC: “Giving Back with Purpose with The Lipscomb Pitts Breakfast Club”

SPEAKER: Jeremy Park, President, LPBC

WHERE: Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall

WHEN: February 6. Program starts at 11 am; lunch at noon.

COST: FREE—the church will supply beverages.

RESERVATIONS: No reservations are needed. Just bring your sack lunch and enjoy the program and the fellowship.

QUESTIONS? Call Luci Cromer, 755-0803, or Beverly Rhoads, 754-7216, ext. 107.

Our events are open for all adults age 55 and older, singles and couples, regardless of church membership. Mark your calendar and make your reservations for these events today!

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Older Adults

March XYZs

February XYZs

XYZs See Meerkats 3D in February!

Filmed over the course of a year, Meerkats 3D follows an extraordinary — not to mention adorable — family that stands just 12 inches tall. Discover how these tiny but strong creatures survive in the harsh Kalahari Desert, led by the family’s tenacious matriarch, Klinky. Together, this family of 20 will battle a rival gang to protect their territory, their pups, and their lives as they also contend with the desolate environment they call home. Meerkats — unafraid, unstoppable, unbelievably cute. After the movie we will make our annual stop for lunch at our perennial favorite, Dan McGuinness Pub.

WHERE: CTI 3D Giant Theater and Dan McGuinness Pub

WHEN: Tuesday, February 17, 2015

COST: $7 per person plus lunch on your own

DEPARTURE: 9:45 am from OLEC parking lot. (Be there by 9:30 am)

RESERVATIONS: Call Luci Cromer, 755-0803, Louise McGhee, 755-3463, or Gretchen Blair, 755-0797. You must make reservations before paying.

DEADLINE FOR MONEY and RESERVATIONS: Tuesday, January 20

XYZs Attend Lenten Preaching Series and Tour First Presbyterian Church in March!

As part of our observance of Lent, we are going downtown to listen to the Rev. Douglass M. Bailey at the Lenten Preaching Series at Calvary Episcopal Church and eat lunch at the Calvary Waffle Shop. Doug served as the Rector of Calvary Church for more than 20 years starting in 1978 and spearheaded the establishment of ten separate non-profit urban ministries. For nine years after that, he was an Assistant Professor at Wake Forest University School of Divinity. He currently is the President of the Center for Urban Ministry, Inc. in Winston Salem, North Carolina. On the way home, we will tour one of the oldest existing churches in Memphis, First Presbyterian Church. The congregation dates to 1828, and the present church was built in 1884. Join us for a private tour of this beautiful church and learn its impressive history.

WHERE: Calvary Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church

WHEN: Thursday, March 19

COST: $3 per person plus lunch on your own

DEPARTURE: 10 am from OLEC parking lot. (Be there by 9:45 am)

RESERVATIONS: Call Luci Cromer, 755-0803, Louise McGhee, 755-3463, or Gretchen Blair, 755-0797. You must make your reservation before paying.

DEADLINE FOR MONEY & RESERVATIONS: Thursday, February 19

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Spotlight on Seniors

Les Morgan

James Leslie “Les” Morgan is a lifelong Memphian, born April 11, 1925. He was drafted at the age of 18 out of Central High School into the Army Air Force and trained at Keesler AFB and Davidson Air Force School (among others), then became a gunner on a B29. He was stationed in the South Pacific and flew 31 combat missions to Japan, Okinawa, Iwo Jima and China. On the final mission, his plane took a direct hit and two of his crewmates were killed, and two injured. For his war efforts, Les earned a Purple Heart, a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Force Medal.

Upon his return, he honored his commitment to play football for LSU for one year, but then returned to Memphis and opened an Auto Parts store. He met and married Doris Holt and together they raised two daughters, Susan Bomar and Judy Gray, herself a member of GUMC. They have five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Les was active in many sports but was an avid golfer until about two years ago, serving as the President of the Memphis Golf Association. He also enjoyed working at Campbell Clinic after retiring from his business career.

Les is a life-long Methodist, having been a member at Everett Memorial UMC, St. Stephen’s UMC, and then Germantown UMC, joining in 1992. He and Doris are members of the Gilbert SS Class and say that they have benefited from the Biblical teaching of the late Rev. Bob Howerton, as Bob taught their class for many years. Les sang in the choir as a bass for many years, led the singing in the Gilbert Class and served as its president, and was a member of the finance committee here at GUMC. He has demanded little, but has contributed much.

He and Doris currently reside at Belmont Village Senior Living.

Story by Beverly Rhoads

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Youth Ministry

This small group for parents of youth will discuss how to build a “sticky faith” to help our youth continue to be to be active in their faith during college and beyond! Register online!

• Led by Michelle Johns, Youth Parent & Youth Volunteer

• Wednesday Nights, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, Room 338

• January 14 - February 11

Get a free book the first night, or you can pick a book up at the church before the class starts!

Sticky Faith Small Group for Parents!

New Youth Website

Check out our brand new Youth Ministry website at germantownumc.org/youth, or from germantownumc.org, click Get Connected then click Youth!

This is truly a one-stop-shop for calendar, event information and registration, paperwork needs, parent resources, and more! Check it out, it’s updated weekly!

Online at:www.germantownumc.org/youth

Grades 6-12 | January 4 | 6-8 pm (meet @ OLEC) | Free Event | $3 for dinner

Join us as groups start with a toothpick and cruise around Germantown with our Element adult small group leaders looking to trade the toothpick for something bigger and better! Then from there, you trade your second item for something bigger and better, on and on until you wind up with the best possible item! Groups will return to the OLEC to compare final items. We’ve had groups end up with big screen TV’s by the end of the night! Contact Jason if you have questions.

Small Group for Parents

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Special Events

Lent by Candlelight

Tuesday | February 17 | 6:30 pm (Fellowship Hall/Chapel)

All women are invited to this annual event beginning with desserts by candlelight in the Fellowship Hall and concluding with a simple service of music, scripture and devotion in the Chapel. There is no charge, but please make a reservation at germantownumc.org or by contacting Anna Graunke at [email protected]. If you would like to make a dessert, please contact Anna. Childcare is available.

Lent by Candlelight is a time for women to prepare their hearts and minds for the season of Lent. Take advantage of this opportunity for spiritual refreshment and reflection.

Last chance to register for our Women’s Winter Retreat, Feb-

ruary 6-7, at Pinecrest Retreat Center! We have reached a max-

imum number of overnight registrations, but a wait-list is now

open. We still have room for “Saturday only” participants. With

discussion led by Yolanda Toney, delicious food, and cozy fire-

places, this retreat will be a perfect time to slow down, enjoy

time with friends, and grow closer to God. Register online or

contact Mary Groh at [email protected].

February 6 and 7, 2015 • Register Now!

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January Events

December 28 - January 3

Tuesday | Dec 30 Sonrise Men’s Group | 6:30 AM First Place for Health | 10:00 AM

Wednesday | Dec 31 Men’s Wednesday Morning Prayer Group | 6:30 AM

Thursday | Jan 1 Church Offices Closed | All Day OLEC Closed | All Day

Friday | Jan 2 Church Offices Closed | All Day OLEC Closes at Noon

January 4 - January 10

Sunday | Jan 4 Youth Community Breakfast | 6:00 AM Worship Services | 8:30, 9:40 & 11:00 AM Youth Element Kickoff | 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Tuesday | Jan 6 Sonrise Men’s Group | 6:30 AM First Place for Health | 10:00 AM

Wednesday | Jan 7 Sanctus Bell Choir-Youth | 5:00 PM Wednesday Night Dinner | 5:00 PM Synergy | 6:00 PM Revelation to John | 6:30 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal | 6:30 PM

Saturday | Jan 10 United Methodist Men’s Breakfast | 8:00 AM


Sunday | Jan 11 Worship Services | 8:30, 9:40 & 11:00 AM Children’s Choirs | 5:00 PM Testimony Youth Choir | 5:00 PM Vespers Bell Choir | 5:00 PM Into the Word Into the World (Disciple 2) | 5:30 PM Matins Bell Choir | 6:15 PM Youth Element | 6:00 PM The Key To A Loving Marriage | 6:15 PM

Monday | Jan 12 Acolyte Training | 5:00 PM CHURCH WIDE MEETING NIGHT | 6:00 PM

Tuesday | Jan 13 First Place for Health | 10:00 AM He Speaks To Me | 6:00 PM

Wednesday | Jan 7 Sanctus Bell Choir-Youth | 5:00 PM Wednesday Night Dinner | 5:00 PM Synergy | 6:00 PM New Kid by Friday | 6:15 PM Revelation to John | 6:30 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal | 6:30 PM Methodist Traditions and Beliefs (Part 1) | 6:30 PM Sticky Faith | 6:30 PM





Saturday | Jan 24 Confirmation Synagogue Trip | 5:00 PM

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January Events



Monday | Jan 26 Church Board Meeting | 6:30 PM



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Documents

The Tidings - January 2015