The Tidings - September 2015 by Germantown UMC

The

Tidings GERMANTOWN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

September 2015

Table of Contents 4-5 GUMC Life 6

United Methodist Men

Missions

7-9

Older Adults

10-14

Adult Education

OLEC

United Methodist Women

Counseling Center

Special Events & Notices

Calender

Ministry Contacts Children’s Ministry Lisa Pierce - Director of Children’s Ministry 758-6512 • lpierce@germantownumc.org Kristin Dickerson - Associate Director 754-7216 • kdickerson@germantownumc.org Callie Beaver - Associate Director 758-6525 • cbeaver@germantownumc.org Older Adults Beverly Rhoads - Elder Care Health Ministry Coordinator 901-758-6513 • brhoads@germantownumc.org Luci Cromer • 755-0803 • luci2@comcast.net

Adult Education Mary Groh - Director of Adult Education and Membership 754-5093 • mgroh@germantownumc.org Youth Ministry Sue Hyland - Youth & Confirmation Director 758-6516 • shyland@germantownumc.org Brian Richards - Associate Youth Director 758-6515 • brichards@germantownumc.org Health and Recreation Tiffany Griffin - Director of Health & Recreation 901-753-3100 • tgriffin@germantownumc.org See full staff listing at www.germantownumc.org/staff

Welcome September Sermons September 6 Communion Sunday “This Thing Called Discipleship” Matthew 7:21; 16:24-27 September 13 “Disciples: People of the Book” II Timothy 3:14-17

September 20 “Disciples: People who Take Sabbath Seriously” Genesis 2:2-3 Mark 6:30-32 September 27 “Disciples: People of Prayer” Psalm 95:1-7

Rev. Henton Retiring Rev. Jack Henton Retiring in September Recognition reception on September 13 Minister Emeritus Jack Henton is retiring after 13 years at GUMC. All are invited to a retirement party for Rev. Henton on September 13 in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall immediately following the 11:00 a.m. worship service. Rev. Jack Henton has been a part of the staff of Germantown United Methodist Church since February, 2002. He joined the staff on a part time basis after retirement having served as a Senior Pastor in the Memphis Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church for more than 40 years. At Germantown UMC he has served as Minister of Evangelism and presently works with the Committee on Stewardship. He was named Minister Emeritus in 2009. Rev. Henton is a graduate of Lambuth University and Vanderbilt Divinity School. He and his wife Vauneida have three children and eight grandchildren.

from Richard There are so many exciting and enriching things happening this month. There truly is something for everyone as we live out our commitment to Christ through GUMC. Let me list some of them: • September 6 –A Multi-Week Worship Series on Discipleship Begins • September 7 – Labor of Love Outreach Event with Our Sister Germantown Churches • September 9 – Wednesday Night Dinners and Studies Resume • September 13 – 3rd Graders Receive Their Bibles in Morning Worship / We Recognize The Ministry of Dr. Jack Henton, our Minister Emeritus / We Launch Our New twice-monthly Sunday Evening Worship Service • September 20 – Churchwide Picnic at Golf and Games This list does not include the many varied children, youth, and music offerings which begin during this time also. Stated somewhat tritely, “the beat of ministry and mission at GUMC just goes on and on.”

Please join us for the next church wide board meeting on Monday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m. in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall. All members are encouraged to attend.

GUMC Life Evangelism Getting Clear on Evangelism The Evangelism Committee, Yolanda Toney, Chairperson When evangelism is discussed, the focus is often how churches should mobilize their people to get out and connect with unbelievers. Thinking in these terms evangelism can be mistaken as a maneuver, rather than a proclamation. When we evangelize, we are heralding the good news of Jesus. Whenever we think about Jesus giving his life, dying for our sins, rising from the dead and bringing new life to all who put their trust in Him, it should make us eager to share the joy of salvation with all those we meet. Evangelism requires affection. If we have no love for Jesus, we will have a hard time expressing our joy about Him. So, evangelism is not so much about a strategy, but savoring Jesus Christ in such a way we want to share this joy from God. From Getting Clear on Evangelism by Jonathan Parnell.

New Worship Service Healing Prayer and Communion Beginning Sunday, September 13, at 6:30 p.m., Germantown UMC will begin offering a Sunday evening service of Healing Prayer and Communion. The service will be held twice a month in the GUMC Chapel and led by our clergy. The word sozo, translated as “salvation,” means “salvation, healing, wholeness” (Matthew 9:20-22). The healing God offers is physical as well as spiritual, emotional, mental and more. While we can pray for the sick in any place or any situation, a service in the church notes that, as God’s people, we are to be a healing community. 4

Marsha Strickland From now on if you listen obediently to the commandments that I am commanding you today, love God, your God, and serve him with everything you have within you, He’ll take charge of sending the rain at the right time, both autumn and spring rains, so that you’ll be able to harvest your grain, your grapes, your olives. Deuteronomy 11:13-14, The Message AUTUMN PRAYER God of all seasons, we thank you for Autumn. We thank you for the touch of coolness in the air that gives us a new burst of energy, for the coloring of the trees that shows the creativity of the Divine Artist, for the falling leaves that reveal the strength of the branches, for the hues of fields that bring joy to children, for the fall harvest that brings us gratitude for the bounty of our land, for this change of seasons that reveals the circle of life. God of all seasons, as you transform the earth, transform us by thy Spirit. -Doug Leonhardt, S.J. As United Methodists, we do not believe that it is necessary to have a person with a healing gift to do a healing service. All healing comes from God, not from human power. God gives gifts to the church and blesses the church as God wishes. Our service will use resources in our United Methodist worship materials. The services will be regularly scheduled for the second and fourth Sunday evenings of each month, beginning September 13 and 27. All are welcomed. We hope that you will make time to join us in the Chapel.

GUMC Life New Members

Rebecca and Greg Veneklasen joined GUMC on Sunday, August 8, 2015 by transfer of their membership from a sister denomination in the Memphis area. Rebecca and Greg are members of Agape Sunday School class.

Betty Coleman joined the church on July 19, 2015.

Dorothy (Dot) McPhillips joined the church on July 19, 2015.

Jennifer and Greg Predmore joined GUMC on Sunday, August 8, 2015 by transfer of their membership from a sister denomination in the Memphis area. Jennifer and Greg are members of Agape Sunday School class.

United Methodist Men Kickoff Breakfast UMM Annual Memberships Join UMM as we kick off our 2015–2016 season Saturday, September 12, at 8 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Our guest speaker will be our own Germantown Mayor, Mike Palazzolo. Mayor Palazzolo has called Germantown home since 1977. He is a graduate of Rhodes College, spent 25 years in the banking industry, and served as alderman before his election as mayor. The cost of the breakfast is $5 to be paid at the door. Reservations are requested by Wednesday, September 9. Annual members need only call in their regrets.

Annual memberships are still available for $50. This includes eight breakfasts plus $10 for UMM projects. For more information about membership or to make reservations, please call Christina Desio at 754-7216 or send her an email her at cdesio@germantownumc.org.

Missions Mountain T.O.P. Fall Weekend: October 8-11 If you are looking for a short-term mission opportunity that will revitalize your life or get you back on the road to walking with God, this is the weekend for you. At the Adults in Ministry weekend we will fix someone’s leaking roof or replace a rotten window or door so a family will be protected from the weather this winter. We will leave Thursday afternoon, work Friday and Saturday, and return home Sunday. The Christian fellowship you will experience at Mountain T.O.P. will comfort you for weeks after this weekend. Questions? Contact Doug Warner at 755-9729 or sign up at Mountain-TOP.org.

Older Adults

AARP Smart Driver™ Course

Germantown United Methodist Church and AARP will present the “AARP Smart Driver™ Course”, the nation’s largest driving refresher course. This 8-hour course is scheduled for October 15 and 16 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 few accidents and tickets.

Living as a Spiritual Older Adult: A Spiritual Day Apart Come enrich your spiritual life with laughter, contemplation, and heartwarming stories at this interactive seminar. Session 1—Reminiscence—the faith past and how it all comes together in the faith that older adults experience in the present. Session 2—The Present—faith’s support of the present life and the concept that faith evolves in an unbroken, unified pattern.

WHERE: Room 339 (Fellowship Forum classroom) in the Hamilton Ministry Center. WHEN: Thursday and Friday, October 15 & 16, 2015, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. COST: $15 fee for AARP members ($20 for nonmembers) payable to AARP RESERVATIONS: Call Ray Malone at 309-5966 DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS: Reservations will be taken until class is full.

Session 3—The Future—older adults’ faith needs and expectations for the future.

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 and seatbelt and turn-signal use

The seminar will be Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015, at First United Methodist Church, 200 S. Church Street in Jackson, Tennessee from 9 a.m.-2:45 p.m. The cost is $15 per person and includes breakfast, snack, and lunch. Registration deadline is Tuesday, September 8—no walk-ins, please. Call Luci Cromer, 755-0803, for more information or (731) 664-8480 to register.

Check your calendar and register now. Your check is your ticket to this class.

The leader will be Marvin Cropsey (pictured above), Chairman of the Committee on Older Adult Ministries for the General Board of Discipleship, past editor of Mature Years magazine, and popular Bible teacher and retreat leader for older adult groups.

This event is sponsored by the Memphis Conference Older Adult Council of The United Methodist Church. It is open to the public and promises to be a most enlightening program. Make plans to attend!

Older Adults

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!

XYZ Programming XYZs See American Folk Art in November Come with us for our own private tour of Wonder, Whimsy, Wild: Folk Art in America, an exhibit that highlights art created by artists in rural areas in New England, the Midwest, and the South between 1800 and 1925. Included are portraits; vivid still life, landscape, and allegorical paintings; commercial and highly personal sculpture; and distinctive examples of furniture from the German-American community. More than 60 works, this exhibit exemplifies the breadth of American creative expression during a period of enormous political, social, and cultural change in the United States. After our tour, we will have lunch at Jim’s Place in Laurelwood. WHERE: Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and Jim’s Place Laurelwood WHEN: Thursday, November 12 COST: $20 per person includes tour and lunch. DEPARTURE: 9 a.m. from OLEC parking lot. (Be there by 8:45 a.m.) RESERVATIONS: Call Luci Cromer, 755-0803, Louise McGhee, 755-3463, or Nancy Arnold, 754-6326. You must make your reservation before paying. DEADLINE FOR MONEY and RESERVATIONS: Thursday, October 15.

XYZs See The Vienna Boys’ Choir in October Come hear 25 angelic voices perform with pure tone and distinctive charm, backed by more than 500 years of Viennese tradition. A choir of trebles and altos between the ages of ten and fourteen, this most beloved choir in the world performs a wide repertoire of Austrian folk songs, pop tunes, and classical masterpieces. This is a once-in-alifetime experience—don’t miss out! WHEN: Saturday, October 24 WHERE: Germantown Performing Arts Center (GPAC) COST: $38 per person includes reserved seat. Regular price is $49. DEPARTURE: Drive yourself. Doors open at 7:30 for an 8 p.m. performance. RESERVATIONS: Call Luci Cromer, 755-0803, Louise McGhee, 755-3463, or Nancy Arnold, 754-6326. You must make your reservation before paying. DEADLINE FOR MONEY & RESERVATIONS: Monday, September 21. We have a limited number of seats reserved at this price.

Older Adults Brown Bag Lunch Learn about the History of Medicine in Memphis at the October Brown Bag Lunch From its herbs and roots folk medicine beginnings, Memphis medicine grew over the next two centuries, culminating in its reputation for world-class research hospitals, respected teaching facilities and cutting-edge procedures, as well as the city’s contemporary prominence as an incubator for bio-sciences and bio-technologies. Author Patricia McFarland will tell us about the nearly 200-year journey of the people, institutions, and innovations that have transformed Memphis into the Mid-South’s epicenter of medical knowledge, education, and expertise at the October 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: “Highlights of Memphis Medical History” SPEAKER: Patricia LaPointe McFarland, Author, Historian, Archivist, and Retired Curator of Collections, Memphis Public Library WHERE: Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall WHEN: October 2, 2015. Program starts at 11 a.m.; lunch is 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.

Don’t Forget the September Brown Bag Lunch Program! Jimmy Ogle, Memphis historian and Community Engagement Manager, Riverfront Development Corporation, will give us a visual presentation and talk about Memphis’ “Downtown 1980’s Awakening.” This event will be Friday, September 4, 2015, in the Fellowship Hall. The program starts at 11 a.m. 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.

Adult Education Women’s Retreat Looking Forward to the Annual Women’s Retreat By Liz Coverdale The Women’s Retreat is my favorite church activity that I have participated in since I joined the church in 2008. As a mother of two young boys, I know it is easy to come up with many reasons not to attend the retreat or to let the signup window pass you by. I urge you to take this time for yourself. I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed! Here are a few things you can look forward to based on my experiences: Refresh and recharge in the perfect setting Pinecrest Retreat Center is a beautiful setting to get closer to God. It is the perfect environment to admire God’s creation either from the large windows in the meeting room or on one of the many hiking trails on site. There are plenty of breaks for quiet reflection or much needed girl talk and laughter. The accommodations are comfortable and the food is home cooked and delicious. By leaving the chores and demands of home behind, you can focus on self-reflection and open your ears to hear God’s message. Create new friendships and strengthen existing relationships Like all retreats, there are ice breakers and games designed to bring us closer together and develop new friendships. As a result, I have made many strong friendships from my time at the retreat. I still smile when I pass ladies in the sanctuary and recall their impressive dance moves. The women attending the retreat vary in age from their twenties to their eighties. There were ladies in all seasons of life and everyone added a beautiful voice to our discussions, prayers, and songs of praise. By learning and worshiping together, we learn from each other’s different backgrounds and experiences. I believe taking time out of our daily schedule to develop friendships is an

Our 2016 GUMC Women’s Retreat is set for February 5-6 at Pinecrest Conference & Retreat Center. Our theme this year is “A Little Bit of Grace, a Whole Lot of Mercy,” with study sessions led by Lisa Pierce and music by Ilace Mears. With delicious food and cozy fireplaces, this retreat will be a perfect winter getaway. Pick up a brochure at the Welcome Center. Registration begins October 1!

important part of strengthening our faith. These relationships help us to know that we are not alone and that we have others to depend on. Hear and discuss a message created just for you I love messages written by women specifically for women. Women naturally understand each other. We share so many similar experiences that we can easily relate to one another. Even if every aspect of the message isn’t personally relevant, there is a strong possibility that it will guide us on our faith journey in the future. We are so blessed to have so many powerful speakers within our church family. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with these gifted women and to see God working through them. I am so excited to attend the Women’s Retreat in February 2016, and I hope you will consider joining us. It is the perfect setting for a time of fellowship, worship, learning, and a respite from the events of everyday life.

Adult Education Wednesday Nights at GUMC Wednesday Nights at GUMC! is our popular midweek venue featuring dinner, classes, Chancel Choir rehearsal and fellowship. If you’ve never experienced a Wednesday night at GUMC, don’t miss this opportunity! The Fall 2015 dinner series will begin on September 9 and end on November 11 for a total of 10 dinners. Dinners take place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. The cost is $8 for adults, $4 for children (4-10), and free for children 3 and under. Reservations and payment are due each Monday by noon. Dinner Card: The dinner card offers an individual the option to pre-pay for the first five dinners (Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7). 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.

Methodist Traditions & Beliefs Wednesdays, Sept. 9 and 16 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join Rev. Smith to learn about the roots of the UMC going back to John Wesley and his devotion to inviting people to experience God’s grace and grow in their love of God through disciplined living. This class is designed for members and prospective members. Childcare is available by reservation. Please register for the class online at germantownumc.org.

Adult Education

Focus on Adult Sunday School: Celebration Class Celebration Class has one important characteristic in common with other GUMC adult Sunday School classes—we provide community and “family” for each other. With approximately 25 active members (couples and singles), none of us have young children or teens living at home, but many are still parents. Some of us are adult children caring for elderly parents. Some class members are retired, some still working. We rejoice together over the graduations and marriages of our adult children and the birth of grandchildren. We have supported each other through, illnesses, surgeries, job losses, caring for and mourning the loss of our own parents, and other difficult experiences. We provide lots of prayers and meals, plus whatever else is needed. For some of us, it is the first of this sort of Christian community that we have known. For all of us, it is very meaningful. The class was formed in 1990 at the request of GUMC staff as an offshoot of the Wesley Class. After recent multiple moves of our classroom, we jokingly began calling ourselves the Children of Israel because we felt like such nomads (and yes, some of us might have complained a little). In researching the history of the class, we discovered that the class has moved frequently since its founding. We were in multiple classrooms downstairs in what is now the Trek area, then moved upstairs to Room 232, then to the Church

Parlor, and are currently meeting in Room 257 in the Children’s Wing at 9:40. Did I mention that we are fairly flexible? Celebration Class is a diverse group in terms of age, occupation, personality, and family circumstances. Our common denominator is our commitment to mission and ministry. While we don’t have specific, regular organized ministry or mission activities as a class, most class members are quick to volunteer for anything that is requested and are active in specific mission activities of their own choosing. Nine of our members have been on international mission trips including multiple leadership roles on teams to Kenya and Costa Rica. Other ministries in which our members participate include tutoring at Caldwell-Guthrie, Adults in Ministry (AIM), FirstWorks, Wesley Foundation (at the U of M), Room In The Inn, and Project Homeless Connect. Individually and as a class, we support many of the church’s international and local missions and ministries, including our youth (Mt. T.O.P. and Daddy Craw), and we adopt families at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Our members are involved in a variety of activities at GUMC— driving the van on Sunday mornings, choir, various committees, ushering, volunteering at the Welcome Center, Stephen Ministry, cookie baking, and teaching or facilitating studies.

Adult Education

The Celebration Class

Our programming is biblically-based, but varies widely in subject. We often use a video series with discussion facilitated by a class member. We have learned and benefitted from the wisdom, knowledge, and teaching skill of professionals such as Adam Hamilton, Andy Stanley, Ray Vander Laan, and John Ortberg, but also learn from each other as we explore the meaning and application of what we have seen in the videos. We have occasional guest speakers and have recently started a focus on programs to assist us with planning, creating, or adjusting to meaningful retirement as Christians. Social events at members’ homes several times a year are great opportunities to relax and have fun together. We also often have lunch together following worship or have “5th Sunday” brunch

when we attend the 9:40 service together and go to brunch after that. If you are not in an adult Sunday School class, you are missing out on an integral part of GUMC. So if you see a familiar face in our class picture, or if this sounds like a group you would like to get to know or be a part of, come see us! We welcome visitors and new members. Remember, we meet at 9:40 in Room 257 of the Children’s Wing (past the Chapel, through another set of double doors, down the hall past the preschool rooms, around the corner, and it’s the first classroom on the left).

Story by Marian Carruth

Adult Education Adult Study NEW Adult Small Group Studies Starting Soon! What is GUMC offering for Adult Study? Pick up our fall brochure at one of our kiosks and find a small group study that interests you. Starting soon we are offering short and long-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, your involvement in GUMC’s faith community, and the world by making the commitment to be a part of a Small Adult Education Group! Questions? Please contact Mary Groh at mgroh@germantownumc.org.

Asbury Studies Short Stories by Jesus Please join the Asbury Sunday School Class on September 13 for a seven-week study of the new book, Short Stories by Jesus. Author Amy-Jill Levine, Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt University, takes readers back in time to understand how the original Jewish audience understood the parables by looking at first-century economic, agricultural life, social customs, Jewish scriptures and Roman culture. Dr. Levine interprets these moving stories for the contemporary reader, showing how the parables are not just about Jesus’ audience, but also are about us–and how they still challenge and provoke us 2,000 years later. Please join us at The Cottage (across the street from the Chapel) at 9:40 a.m. for what we know will be a lively discussion.

Monthly Book Club Meeting On Mondays We have chosen our books for the remainder of 2015! There is no need to register, just purchase the book (or check-out from the library) and join us at 10:30 a.m. in Room 338 for a spirited discussion! 9/28: The Boys in the Boat........Daniel James Brown 10/26: The Nightingale...................... Kristin Hannah 11/23: The Rosie Project................ Graeme Simsion 1/25/2016: The Ponder Heart..............Eudora Welty

Owings Life Enrichment Center Preventative Healthcare From Life Line Screening

Youth Basketball (ages 5-18). Register now at germantownumc.org! The fee is $100 ($25 late fee after October 4). Games start January 9. Contact Patrick Peavy for more information, ppeavy@germantownumc.org.

September 18, 2015 Germantown United Methodist Church is pleased to offer a preventive health event. Life Line Screening, a leading provider of communitybased preventive health screenings, will host their affordable, non-invasive and painless health screenings on Sept. 18. Five screenings will be offered that scan for potential health problems related to: blocked arteries which is a leading cause of stroke; abdominal aortic aneurysms which can lead to a ruptured aorta; hardening of the arteries in the legs which is a strong predictor of heart disease;

atrial fibrillation or irregular heart beat which is closely tied to stroke risk; and a bone density screening, for men and women, used to assess the risk of osteoporosis. Register for a Wellness Package which includes 4 vascular tests and osteoporosis screening from $149 ($139 with our member discount). All five screenings take 60-90 minutes to complete. In order to register for this event and to receive a $10 discount off any package priced above $129, please call 1-888-653-6441 or visit www. lifelinescreening.com/community-partners.

Core and More Core and More is a class that evolved from basic Mat Pilates and is led by Judy Oros on Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:45 p.m. The class format is Pilates-based with additional strength training components. Beginners to advanced are welcome.

Testimonials “Unless I am out of town, I attempt to attend the Core and More classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:45-5:45 p.m. Like any exercise program, the more regularly you attend, the less difficult it is (for some of us exercise is a chore). While Judy keeps the exercise pace up with good “mood” music and verbal guidance, there is pleasant conversation amongst us before and during our class. That makes it a more pleasant experience, and the time goes by faster! At the end of each class I feel invigorated, and most of my muscle groups have been used, which promotes good circulation. Anyone from 10 to 100 can benefit from the class!” - JERRY OVERHOLSER

“After two lower back nerve blocks, my doctor strongly suggested I find a good class for building core muscles. Now, seven years later, I am pain free, my core muscles are developed, and I thoroughly enjoy the Core and More classes at the OLEC. Besides the health benefits, the classes are a source of social enjoyment and encouragement. We benefit from nutrition tips, healthful recipes, and friendships among the group. Judy Oros is a great coach and teacher, and shows a genuine interest in each participant.” - ALICE CLARE COLVILLE

United Methodist Women September Luncheon Tuesday, September 8, 11:30 a.m. Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall Reverend Dr. Deborah B. Smith, pastor of Centenary United Methodist Church, and former pastor at GUMC, will be our speaker. Reserve your spot by calling 754-7216 by Thursday, September 3. The cost is $10, payable at the door.

Blessing Of The Babies Annual Blessing of the Babies will be held at the September 8 GUMW Luncheon. Anyone who has had a child, grandchild, or great grandchild born since September 2014 is invited to submit the child’s information for recognition at the luncheon. Please send the child’s name, birthdate, parent/ grandparent name to Tina Gregory at tvgregory111@gmail.com or call 854-0848.

Cinnamon Roll Bake We Bake, You Take, FRESH CINNAMON ROLLS! Preorder your cinnamon rolls in the Fellowship Hall on Sundays, Sept. 20 and 27 ($8/dozen). Roll pick up will be at the OLEC, 12 p.m –3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 29 (for fresh pre-ordered rolls), or Wednesday or Thursday, Sept. 30–Oct. 1! We will be baking a limited number om Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 30–Oct. 1, for those who failed to preorder. We recommend preordering! Questions? Contact Stephanie Adams, monacodog@aol.com, 756-9748 (home), 488-4748 (cell).

Introducing a New Circle Grace A new UMW Circle starts this fall, the Grace Circle! A UMW Circle is a small group gathering of United Methodist Women who enjoy camaraderie and mutual support through devotions and programs. This group also supports the missions of the United Methodist Women globally. We are very excited about this new opportunity and we invite you to join us this fall! Who: Women ages 20s-40s When: We will meet the first Friday of each month beginning in September - due to the Labor Day holiday our first meeting will be held 9:45 a.m. on Friday, September 11. Where: Room 339, GUMC

With a reservation, childcare will be provided in the nursery. Please contact gumcgracecircle@gmail.com.

McVay Couseling Center Suicide Prevention Helping to bear another’s burden September 7th-13th is National Suicide Prevention Week. How aware are you of suicide? Has your life been touched? Chances are, it has. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. for all ages, with approximately 105 Americans dying by suicide every day. That’s one death by suicide in the U.S. every 13 minutes. The highest rate of suicide is among people 45 to 64 years old (19.1%). White males accounted for 70% of all suicides in 2013. Do I have your attention? So what do we need to know about suicide and suicidal thoughts? We need to know that suicide happens when a person’s pain exceeds his resources for coping with pain. The way to avoid suicide as an outcome is to find a way to reduce the pain or increase a person’s coping resources. Both are possible. If you suspect someone is suicidal, COMMUNICATE with him. Give him a chance to talk about what is bothering him and show him your willingness to listen. Offer support without advice. ASK if she is thinking of hurting herself. This communicates concern and does not give someone an idea. Asking if she has suicidal thoughts lets her know you recognize her level of pain and take her seriously. STAY with him if he is having these thoughts and make no

judgments. This person wants to live but also desperately wants to stop hurting. You’ve been trusted enough to help devise a plan to make that happen. Now is the time to talk about professional counseling. BE HONEST; do not promise to keep her suicidal thoughts a secret. Encourage her to be with you when you speak to another trusted person about your concerns (a counselor, a pastor, a parent) so there is no question about what is said. Most importantly, TAKE IT SERIOUSLY. If someone makes a comment that sounds suicidal, check it out. Always. Here are some numbers we should all know.

Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network:

(901) 274-7477 800-SUICIDE 800-273-TALK Let’s work together to help people in pain. Call me at 901-758-6524. I can help. - Christina Burns “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” - Galatians 6:2

Special Events and Notices

12th Annual GUMC Family Picnic

Edwin’s Way 5K Edwin’s Way 5K 2015 October 4, 3 p.m. ABOUT THE RACE Race participants will enjoy the shady & scenic path provided by the greenbelt, starting and ending in Nashoba Park adjacent to 8000 Wolf River Boulevard, Germantown. This race will promote wellness in our faith community while honoring the memory of our friend, Edwin Smith. Funds raised will support programming for The Trinity Centre at McVay Gardens. HOW TO REGISTER Pre-registration is open online now at germantownumc.org for $20. On-site registration is $25 and will begin at 2 p.m. There is no rain date.

Sunday, September 20, 1-3 p.m. Everyone is invited to a FREE picnic at Golf & Games Family Park (5484 Summer Avenue)! Simply come to the private GUMC pavilion from 1-3p.m. for FREE wristbands. FREE hotdogs and drinks will be served by the Seekers Sunday School class from 1-2. Wristbands are good until 6p.m. for gokarts, Putt-Putt, bumper boats, ropes course, Lasertron, batting cages, and children’s rides.

September Events September 1 - 5

September 13-19

Tuesday, September 1 6:30 a.m. - SonRise Men’s Group

Sunday, September 13 8:30, 9:40 & 11:00 a.m. - Worship Services 12:00 p.m. - Rev. Jack Henton Reception 6:30 p.m. - Service of Healing Prayer & Commitment

Wednesday, September 2 6:30 a.m. - Rutherford Men’s Group Friday, September 4 11:00 a.m. - Brown Bag Lunch Monday, September 7 Labor of Love Outreach Event

September 6-12 Sunday, September 6 6:00 a.m. - Youth Community Breakfast 8:30, 9:40 & 11:00 a.m. - Worship Services Monday, September 7 (Labor Day) Church, OLEC, & GUMP Closed 6:00 p.m. - Church-wide Meeting Night Tuesday, September 8 6:30 a.m. - SonRise Men’s Group 11:30 a.m. - UMW Celebration Luncheon 5:00 p.m. - Older Adult Council Meeting 6:15 p.m. - XYZ Board Meeting Wednesday, September 9 5:30 p.m. - Wednesday Night Dinner 6:30 a.m. - Rutherford Men’s Group 6:30 p.m. - Methodist Traditions & Beliefs Friday, September 11 9:45 a.m. - First Meeting of New Grace Circle 5:30 p.m. - Third Grade Bible Retreat 6:30 p.m. - XYZs Leave from OLEC for Theater Memphis Saturday, September 12 8:00 a.m. - UMM Breakfast

Monday, September 14 6:00 p.m. - Church Wide Meeting Night Tuesday, September 15 6:30 a.m. - SonRise Men’s Group 5:00 p.m. - Acolyte Training Wednesday, September 16 6:30 a.m. - Rutherford Men’s Group 5:00 p.m. - Wednesday Night Dinner Friday, September 18 8:00 a.m. - Lifeline Screening

Setember 20-26 Sunday, September 20 8:30, 9:40 & 11:00 a.m. - Worship Services 5:30 p.m. - Coffee with the Pastors 1:00 p.m. - GUMC Picnic at Golf & Games Monday, September 21 5:30 p.m. - Solo’s 6:00 p.m. - Board of Trustees Meeting Tuesday, September 22 6:30 a.m. - SonRise Men’s Group Wednesday, September 23 6:30 a.m. - Rutherford Men’s Group

September 27-30 Sunday, September 25 8:30, 9:40 & 11:00 a.m. - Worship Services 6:30 p.m. - Service of Healing Prayer & Commitment Monday, September 28 10:30 a.m. - Monthly Book Club Wednesday, September 30 5:00 p.m. - Wednesday Night Dinner

CELEBRATING OUR HERITAGE One hundred and seventy-five years ago, our ancestors established a new church here in Germantown. This year we will celebrate these 175 years of growth and the change within these walls and within our own spirits. All members of Germantown United Methodist are invited to send ideas and suggestions for celebratory events to Renee Pearl (758-6519 or rpearl@germantownumc.org) as soon as possible. We need photos, anecdotes, and testimonials. In other words, we want YOU tell us how you think the celebration should be done and how YOU can help. This is really going to be a big, months-long celebration. Everyone should be, and will want to be, a part of it.