October 2014
October Sermons October 5 “On Agreeing And Disagreeing” John 15:9-17
from Jack Rev. Jack Henton, Minister Emeritus
October 12 “The Power And Necessity of Forgiveness” Matthew 6:14-15; 18:21-22 October 19 “The Most Difficult Subject Of All” I Chronicles 29:6-11; Mark 12:38-44 October 26 Rev. Ryan Boatright “Living by Faith” Matthew 5:1-12
Visit germantownumc.org/live on Sunday mornings to watch a live broadcast of our 9:40 and 11 am worship services.
Unsung Hero 2014 It is a privilege to announce that Doug Warner has been selected as Unsung Hero 2014. Doug was nominated for his leadership qualities, continuous involvement and dedication to church missions, helping friends and neighbors, and living his Christian faith on a daily basis. Doug received the award on Sunday, September 14 at a McKendree District Celebration in Somerville, Tennessee. Congratulations, Doug!
Stewardship 2014 “Fulfilling Our Vision Through Giving” “Each one should use whatever gift they have received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” I Peter 4:10 Our Stewardship emphasis this year to support the Mission and Ministry of GUMC for 2015 has chosen the theme “Fulfilling Our Vision Through Giving”. This is a fulfillment of the “Visioning” that has gone on for more than a year to focus on five specific areas of ministry: Spiritual Discipline and Development, Evangelism, Missions, Youth, and Young Adults. Our Stewardship response of our prayers, our presence, our giving, our service, and our witness will ensure the fulfillment of this vision. Prayerfully consider your response and come prepared to make your commitment as an act of worship on Commitment Sunday, November 2 or 9. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2
“Fulfilling Our Vision Through Giving” Schedule Sunday, October 12
Visioning brochure available
Sunday, October 19
Rev. Richard Smith preaching
Monday, October 20 “Fulfilling” packets with Commitment Cards mailed to church families Sunday, October 26 Stewardship presentation in all Adult SS classes Sunday, November 2 Commitment Sunday I Sunday, November 9 Commitment Sunday II “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind not reluctantly or under compulsion for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything you may share abundantly in every good work.” II Corinthians 9:7-8
Missions
Rev. Ryan Boatright, rboatright@germantownumc.org
Room In The Inn Is Coming to GUMC! While many spent the summer months not giving a second thought to cold winter nights, several dedicated souls worked countless hours to renovate, organize and plan how GUMC could grow our participation in Room In The Inn – Memphis. The Cottage will be our dedicated site. We will be able to offer a shower, a warm meal and bed to our guests as well as socks, hats, gloves, scarves and underwear. The Cottage renovation is wonderful and we look forward to welcoming 12 homeless guests each Friday night from November until March. For those unfamiliar, Room In The Inn is a network of churches that choose to open their doors to unsheltered persons one night a week during the coldest months of the year. It was started in Nashville nearly three decades ago and has since spread to 19 other cities in the U.S. and Canada. The model is very simple: City streets are cold and dangerous. Churches are warm, safe and empty. Participating churches feed, shelter and love on the guests one night per week – all at no charge. The name refers to the story in the Bible when Joseph and Mary arrive in Bethlehem ready to deliver the Christ child only to discover there was no room in the inn. Our hope is to help eradicate instances where our neighbors are in need of shelter and have nowhere to turn. So, if you are wondering how you can help or what we might need going forward, we will accept the following from now through March in a marked bin near the Fellowship Hall: travel size toiletry items such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, deodorant, feminine products, aspirin, mini flashlights, new underwear for men and women, socks, hats, scarves, and gloves. There is also a designated fund to help fund ongoing expenses like transportation costs, coffee, dinnerware, and laundry detergent. We also love behind the scenes volunteers that can help with laundry or cleaning The Cottage after a night of service. We would especially be interested in anyone who can offer a special service such as haircuts, foot examinations, etc. But more importantly, if you or your small group is interested in volunteering to be hosts for the night or working behind the scenes, please contact Alise Davis at alisedavis4@gmail.com. If you want to learn more about Room In The Inn - Memphis, check the GUMC website under Recommended Missions.
Highlighting Prayer By Bryan Barger Try to schedule private time each day to pray. Corrie Ten Boom once said “Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees.” I try to dedicate some private time in the morning and in the evening to prayer. There are aspects to my prayers that I always include. First, acknowledge to whom you are praying; God our Father. Remember to give thanks for all of your blessings. I don’t know who said it but, I once heard the quote, “What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?” If you have a hard time trying to think of things to be thankful for, that should help. Remember to pray for wisdom; we all need that. Remember to pray for the needs of others. Ask God to give you the strength to resist the temptation to sin. Ask for forgiveness when you do sin and ask for the grace to forgive others in the same manner when they have sinned against you. Finally, express your needs, but remember to pray in humility acknowledging that God’s will should be done, not yours.
Mountain T.O.P. Fall Weekends Each weekend in October we offer a service opportunity for those interested in a short-term mission project that involves physical activity as the reason for the opportunity to serve and minister. Mountain T.O.P. provides work teams of 5-7 people to serve the people in need on the Cumberland Plateau in central Tennessee. We meet at Camp Cumberland Pines on Thursday for dinner and split up into work teams that will go to a specific site to work with a family on a repair or addition to their home on Friday and Saturday. There will be programs and worship in camp each night and we’ll leave for home on Sunday morning. Sign up online at mountain-top.org. Contact Doug Warner at dougwarner1946@gmail.com for more information.
Older Adults
Luci Cromer, 755-0803 • luci2@comcast.net
XYZs Celebrate a Sanders Family Christmas in December! Sanders Family Christmas is the sequel to the wildly successful bluegrass gospel musical Smoke on the Mountain. It’s December 24, 1941 and the lovable, quirky Sanders clan has gathered for one last performance at the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church before young Dennis is shipped out for boot camp. Stories to warm the heart and tickle the funny bone are woven together with 25 feel-good Southern Gospel Christmas favorites. Give yourself an early Christmas gift and join us! WHERE: Circuit Playhouse WHEN: Friday, December 5, 2014 COST: $22 per person includes reserved seat DEPARTURE: 6:45 p.m. from OLEC parking lot. (Be there by 6:30 p.m.) 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 and RESERVATIONS: Friday, November 7
Did you know that your church sponsors a Safety Team that monitors our worship services each Sunday? Members of this team are trained to:
Our Safety Team is about 4 years old and is constantly training in order to provide ever more effective service.
• safely exit our congregation in the event of fire or severe weather
The red folders found in your pew rack and the signage found at each exterior door near the Sanctuary contain exit routes for fire and severe • administer first aid, CPR and AED in the event weather. These routes are different of necessity. of medical emergency Please familiarize yourself with them. Also be 5 year-old Transition • 9:30 am - 2:30 pm assured that our nursery and Kid’s Quest • observe our Sanctuary for intruders and other Enrichment Days TN Licensed locations utilize separate emergency strategies disruptions, and manage them if •necessary. for the safe exiting of our children if necessary. Flexible Days • Full Curriculum
nrolling for 2013-2014 School Year • • •
Germantown United Methodist Preschool Sarah Sutton, Director, 753-3109 ssutton@germantownumc.org
Are you, or someone you know, a parent of a young child? Germantown United Methodist Church has a weekday preschool to offer young families! Each weekday from 9:30-2:30, our preschool provides a loving, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children (ages 9 months to 5 years) to grow to their fullest potential emotionally, socially, spiritually, physically, and Germantown, TNmore 38138 | 901-753-3109 | send www.mygump.org cognitively. For information, visit mygump.org. an email to preschool@germantownumc.org to schedule a visit.
Donate Your Used Band Instruments Memphis Business Academy needs band instruments for a waiting list of students whose parents cannot afford them. If you would like to donate, contact Janet Harlan at 378-2376 and arrange for a pickup. Any working instrument is welcome.
Older Adults
Luci Cromer, 755-0803 • luci2@comcast.net
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!
Mayor Mark Luttrell Talks About Challenges at the November Brown Bag Lunch!
Don’t Forget the October Brown Bag Lunch Program! Jimmy Ogle, Community Engagement Manager for the Riverfront Development Corporation, will take us on a journey of “100 Years of Memphis Music.” This presentation will be Friday, October 3 in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall. 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.
When he was campaigning for his second term as Shelby County Mayor, Mark Luttrell outlined several areas that he feels need addressing. Whether it be stabilizing public education, improving the economy, protecting our communities, managing a fiscally sound budget, focusing on smart development, or sustaining quality healthcare, Shelby County has many challenges to overcome. Find out how Mayor Luttrell plans to solve these problems at the November 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: “The Challenges Facing Shelby County” SPEAKER: Mayor Mark H. Luttrell, Jr., Shelby County WHERE: Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall WHEN: November 7, 2014. Program starts at 11 am; lunch is at Noon. COST: FREE—the church will supply beverages. RESERVATIONS: Not 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.
AARP Smart Driver™ Course GUMC and AARP will present the “AARP Smart Driver™ Course,” the nation’s largest driving refresher course. This 8-hour course is scheduled for October 7 and 8 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Successful completion entitles participants to a discount on their auto insurance premiums for three years. There is no driving test or written exam. Register early because the class will be closed at 28 participants. The results of taking these classes have been proven—class participants have fewer accidents and tickets. Check your calendar and register now. Your check is your ticket to this class. WHERE: Room 339 WHEN: Tuesday and Wednesday, October 7 and 8, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. COST: $15 fee for AARP members ($20 for non-members) payable to AARP RESERVATIONS: Call Ray Malone at 309-5966. DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS: Reservations will be taken until class is full. The objectives of the course are to help you: • Be independent, safe, and confident while on the road • Keep up with changes so you don’t put yourself and others at risk • Learn state-specific information throughout the course • Focus on areas such as roundabouts, pavement markings, stop-sign compliance, red-light running, and safety issues such as speeding, seatbelt, and turn-signal use
Children’s Ministry Pain Management Group
Lisa Pierce, Director, 758-6512, lpierce@germantownumc.org
Third Grade Bible Sunday Third-graders were presented Bibles during the 9:40 and 11 a.m. worship services on Sunday, September 14. 39 children received a very special copy of God’s Word, imprinted with their names and inscribed by the GUMC ministers. This presentation followed a Friday evening retreat where they learned about tools to help them read and understand Scripture at a higher level. It is our continued prayer that these children will dig deeper into God’s Word as they grow into disciples.
Dr. Dewaine Rice will be leading this free pain management group on Wednesdays, Oct. 15-Nov. 19, 6-7 pm, at the McVay Counseling Center, 2305 McVay Rd. Group meetings will include educational presentations, group sharing, and personalized plans for coping with chronic pain. Since the group is intended to augment traditional medical interventions, it is important that each participant be under the care of a physician. Limited to the first 10 people who enroll. Registration is required at germantownumc.org or by calling Debra Cunningham at 758-6528.
2331 South Germantown Rd. Germantown, TN 38138
GERMANTOWN UNITED METHODIST
YOUTH MINISTRY
Youth Ministry Jason Baker, High School + College, 758-6515 • jbaker@germantownumc.org Sue Hyland, Middle School + Confirmation, 758-6516 • shyland@germantownumc.org
Come and be a part of one of GUMC’s biggest and best Youth Ministry events during the year! At Crave 2014, we are going to set some time aside to think around our Element theme, Beautiful Creatures, a bit more. Addison Shock, Wesley Campus Ministry Director at Tennessee Tech, will help us explore our theme a little deeper as our retreat speaker for the 3rd year in a row! Our friends the Ty Garvey Band will be leading us in worship! We hope you’ll join us! It will be one to remember! Cost for the weekend is $155, and includes transportation via Crown Tours, lodging, meals, high ropes adventures, retreat materials, and a t-shirt. If you are interested in a scholarship for the weekend, please contact Jason Baker, Youth Director, at jbaker@germantownumc.org.
Register online at germantownumc.org. Deadline to register is Sunday, November 9 at midnight!
weekly Youth Sign up for our hts Email! Ministry Highlig c.org/email germantownum
The Key to a Loving Marriage: Marriage Enrichment Workshop Sunday evenings, November 2, 9, and 16, 6:15-8:15 pm Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall “Falling in love is easy, but staying in love takes courage, hard work, and lots of grace.” Adam Hamilton Join us at this year’s Marriage Enrichment Workshop. We’ll discuss concepts developed by Pastor Adam Hamilton and Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott. On November 2, we’ll discuss why empathy is so vital to a marriage. We’ll explore why marriage is a covenant not just between a man and his wife but also with God on November 9. We’ll end the workshop this year by examining ways couples’ relationships may change after retirement or becoming empty nesters. Last year, many of our couples commented on how much they enjoyed the camaraderie. As a church family it is important that we support one another. So, please come to the marriage workshop. We encourage you to invite other couples even if they are not members of Germantown UMC. In January, we will have a fun-filled evening with dancing, eating and fellowshipping. More details will follow at the workshop. We will begin promptly and end promptly. Childcare is provided with an online reservation. The cost of the workshop is $10 and you may pay at the door. Co-Facilitators are Gerald and Yolanda Toney, Pat and Angie Hopper, Rick and Jane Kirchoff, Bill and Sally McLaughlin, and Bill and Cathy Whitaker. Questions? Contact Yolanda Toney at 754-7216 or ytoney@germantownumc.org. Register by October 26.
Calling all Mommies…to Fellowship Fridays! If you have a child from newborn to five years old, Fellowship Fridays are for you. We know the world’s a busy place, and we want to help slow things down, if only for a day. The first Friday of the month from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. you will be treated to a light brunch, a devotional and given time to fellowship. Childcare will be provided. The first Fellowship Friday is November 7, 9:30-11 am. Questions: Contact Lisa Pierce, lpierce@germantownumc.org or Yolanda Toney, ytoney@germantownumc.org or call 7547216 and ask for Lisa or Yolanda.
Wednesday, October 22, 6:15-7:15 pm
“How Should Christians Use Social Media?” Join us as our very own Jason Baker, High School Director and College Connector, discusses: • • • •
the trends of social media; what these trends suggest about our culture; what we are looking for when we use social media; how can we best use social media to meet the needs of our own lives and of those around us.
This presentation is suitable for Middle School through Senior Adults. Even if you do not use social media, it’s beneficial to understand the trends and what they say about the world around us. We need to be reminded what real interaction and relationships look like. Dinner is available at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $8 for adults; $4 for children (ages 4-10). A prepaid reservation is due by noon on Monday, October 20. Register for dinner online at germantownumc.org. Menu: Hawaiian Chicken, rice, oriental vegetables, peas, baby carrots, rolls, fruit, green salad, assorted desserts, tea, coffee, and lemonade. No registration is required for the speaker. A special program will be provided for the children beginning at 6:15 p.m.
Volunteer Coaches Needed for Caldwell-Guthrie Elementary Volunteers are needed on Thursday, October 21 at Caldwell-Guthrie Elementary from 9-11 am for the annual Read for the Record event, a national program for pre-school – second grade students. Volunteers read the assigned book and lead the students in a planned activity. If you can’t commit to coaching students weekly in the Team Read Program, this is a great way to be involved with the Urban Haven Project mission. Contact Ruth King at ruthmking@bellsouth.net or Libby Anderson at randerson@comcast.net for more information.
Thanksgiving Dinner Wednesday, November 19 at 5:30 pm Owings Life Enrichment Center Plan to join us for our Church-Wide Thanksgiving Dinner on Wednesday, November 19 at 5:30 pm in the OLEC, followed by our Advent Workshop in the children’s wing. Mark your calendar for this special event!
Ancient-Modern Worship Leader Named GUMC is pleased to announce that a worship leader for our Ancient-Modern Service has been chosen. We welcome Jordan Wells into this position with excitement and anticipation for the leadership he will bring into this new worship style for our congregation. Jordan is a graduate in vocal performance from MTSU in Murfreesboro and a candidate for the Master of Divinity degree at Asbury Seminary. He teaches at St. Benedict at Auburndale and is a private voice instructor at St. George’s Independent School, Bartlett High School, and Hutchison School. Recently, Jordan directed the musical at Germantown Community Theatre and has received many awards for his theatre work. At GUMC, Jordan will organize singers and instrumentalists to lead in a service with popular style music. The new service will begin in early November.
August Financial Summary Actual for Month Budgeted for Month Difference for Month Actual YTD Budgeted YTD Difference YTD
Income Over/(Under) Expense This Month YTD
Join the ladies of GUMC for our Winter Women’s Retreat on February 6 and 7, 2015, at Pinecrest Retreat Center. With discussions led by Yolanda Toney, plan to relax and have fun in your favorite lounge wear with delicious food and cozy fireplaces. Enjoy the chance to meet and become better acquainted with our own “Women of Worth”!
February 6 – 7, 2015
Income 236,361 232,054 4,306 2,003,998 2,046,298 (42,309)
Look for full details in our brochure and online at germantownumc.org. Registration opens October 1 and is limited to 75 participants.
Expense 264,452 277,055 (12,603) 2,211,297 2,159,890 51,406
(28,090) (207,308)
Writing Our Way Home: A Group Journey Out Of Homelessness As most know, GUMC has supported the Door of Hope for several years. The Door of Hope is a nonprofit organization focused on ending homelessness in Memphis, one person at a time, through the acquisition and development of affordable housing. The Door of Hope Writer’s Group, an outgrowth of DOH, was formed about 7½ years ago by Ms. Ellen Prewitt to help homeless persons carry on their struggle through the inspiration and motivation found within creative writing. Ellen and the group recently envisioned a book publishing project subsequently funded anonymously by a thoughtful and generous GUMC member. The resulting book, Writing Our Way Home:
A Group Journey Out Of Homelessness, contains the “stories” of 15 members of the DOH Writers’ Group. This 277 page paperback book is published by Triton Press, and is truly a heartwarming and inspiring read. As part of our support of the Writer’s Group, GUMC is managing the distribution of the initial 500-book printing. Books are now available (through the church office) for $16.95 to GUMC church members, friends and staff. Books are also available from Amazon.com at Writing Our Way Home: A Group Journey Out of Homelessness. Finally, books are being made available to the writers for sale via their many opportunities and at various planned book-signing events. 100% of the net proceeds will be distributed to the Door of Hope and the writers themselves. If you would like to feature this book in various fund raising activities within the church, contact Don Rhoads at drhoads@germantownumc.org.
Youth Basketball: Boys and Girls, K-12
Church Board Meetings
Patrick Peavy (sports), 753-3100, ppeavy@germantownumc.org
Please join us for the next scheduled Church Board Meeting on October 27 at 6:30 p.m. All members are encouraged to attend.
Youth basketball registration is open! Register and pay online with credit card or mail check (payable to GUMC) before October 19. The fee is $100. Late registration is $110. Open to boys and girls. Contact Patrick Peavy at 753-3100 with any questions.
Chairpersons, please submit your last meeting minutes by Wednesday before the scheduled Church Board meeting. You may email to: rpearl@germantownumc.org.
Welcome New Members!
Amy & Carter Tuggle (8/17)
Fran Cutshall (8/17)
Mary Alice Wilson (8/10)
Janice and Zootie Loosier (8/31)
Martha Hodges (8/31)
Wednesday Nights at GUMC Wednesday Nights at GUMC! Our popular midweek venue featuring dinner, classes, Chancel Choir rehearsal and fellowship is back. If you’ve never experienced a Wednesday night at GUMC, don’t miss this opportunity!
Wednesday Night Dinners Wednesday Night Dinners will begin on October 15 and end on November 12 for a total of five dinners. You may pay by the week (reservations and money due each Monday by noon) or purchase a Dinner Card for all five weeks. Dinners take place from 5:30 - 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall, and the cost is $8 for adults, $4 for children, and free for children 3 and under. Dinner Card: The dinner card offers an individual the option to pre-pay for all five dinners. 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 for an adult and $20 for a child. There are no refunds for unused dinners. All meals include Lemonade, Tea, and Coffee. October 15
October 22
October 29
November 5
November 12
Ham, sweet potato casserole, white beans, garlic cabbage, green beans, rolls, fruit, green salad, assorted desserts
Hawaiian Chicken, white rice, oriental vegetables, peas, baby carrots, rolls, fruit, green salad, assorted desserts
Meat Loaf, mashed potatoes, corn, broccoli medley, beets, rolls, fruit, green salad, assorted desserts
Lasagna, rotel chicken spaghetti, Italian green beans, zucchini casserole, creamed spinach, garlic bread, fruit, green salad, assorted desserts
Pork Tenderloin, wild rice, black eyed peas, green beans, yellow squash, rolls, fruit, green salad, assorted desserts
Dedication Service The Trinity Centre at McVay Gardens Sunday, October 19, 7:30 am After a successful fundraising campaign and several weeks of construction, the Trinity Centre is complete. Please join us for the dedication service on Sunday, October 19 at 7:30 a.m. The worship service will be led by Rev. Ryan Boatright with music by the youth worship band. A dedication ceremony will conclude the service.
Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Germantown, TN Permit No. 20
Germantown United Methodist Church 2331 South Germantown Road Germantown, TN 38138 www.germantownumc.org 901-754-7216 Editor’s Note: The deadline for submitting articles for Tidings is the 10th of the month prior. Submissions received after this deadline are not guaranteed to run.