The
Tidings GERMANTOWN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
December 2015
Table of Contents 4-5 GUMC Life 6-7
7
OLEC Children
8-9
Adult Education
10-11
Older Adults
12
UMW
13
Missions
14-15
Advent Season
16
Youth Ministry
17-18 19
Calender Giving
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
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December Sermons December 6 “Mary: Mother To Be” Luke 1:46-55; Luke 2:39-40 December 13 “Joseph: Father To Be” Matthew 1:18-25
December 24 Christmas Eve “Shepherds On A Hill” Luke 2:8-20 December 27 “An Angel Chorus” Luke 2:8-20
December 20 “Jesus: Gift to the World” John 18:33-37 Rev. Dr. Brad Gabriel
Join Us in Worship Sunday Morning
Nov. 29 - Dec. 20 • 8:30, 9:40 & 11 a.m. – Sanctuary
Children’s Alternative Christmas Market
Sunday, December 6 • 9:40 & 11 a.m. – GUMC Children’s Wing
from Richard This is one of the most inspiring seasons in the Christian year; this season of AdventChristmas. The full spiritual impact of the varied enrichment offerings can only be felt as we actively participate. I hope you will really seek to let the power of the Jesus of Bethlehem story touch you by sharing in our special times of worship, growth, and outreach this most holy season. Our theme is “Journey Toward Bethlehem.” Please note that on Sunday, December 27, there are only two worship services – 9:40 and 11 a.m.
The December Church Board meeting will be Tuesday, December 8 at 7 p.m. All church members are encouraged to attend. Please note the change in time.
Children’s Choir Concert and Plum Pudding Festival
Sunday, December 6 • 5 p.m. – Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall
Blue Christmas Service
Tuesday, December 8 • 6 p.m. – Chapel An Advent service of remembrance.
UMW Christmas Cookie Shoppe
Saturday, December 12 • 9 a.m. - Noon – Nursery Area
Milk ’n Muffins With Santa
Saturday, December 12 • 9 -11 a.m. – Fellowship Hall
Alternative Christmas Market
Sunday, December 13 • 9 a.m. - Noon – Fellowship Hall
25th Annual Community Carol Festival
Sunday, December 13 • 5 p.m. – Sanctuary Chancel Choir combines with orchestra for an evening of seasonal music.
Christmas Eve Services – Sanctuary
For Families With Young Children • 3 & 4 p.m. Holy Communion • 6, 7:30 & 11 p.m. Music for the Holy Night • 10:30 p.m. (3, 4, & 6 p.m. services will be Ancient-Modern worship style)
Church offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, December 24, 25, 31 and January 1. OLEC Hours: Thursday, December 24 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friday, December 25 Closed Saturday, Dec. 26 8 a.m. - noon Thursday, December 31 Closed Friday, January 1 Closed Saturday, January 2 8 a.m. - noon
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GUMC Life Christmas Poinsettias Remember to honor a loved one and help beautify our sanctuary for the Christmas season by providing a poinsettia! One or more plants may be ordered at $16 each. Deadline: Monday, December 7 at noon. Names of honorees and donors will be listed in a special brochure given out on Sunday, Dec 13. Order forms are available at the Information Center, the Welcome Center, and online at germantownumc.org.
By Barbara McMahon She will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. – Matthew 1:21 What a wonderful gift we have been given. May we live in a way that honors His wonderful name: rejoicing, praying and giving thanks. Let us make sure that we do all three of these consistently. We can pray at any time or any place, and give thanks for God’s goodness, for his mercy and for His Son.
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GUMC Life Welcome New Members!
Ann Gee (October 25) with her husband, Justin, a long-time member of GUMC, and two of their three children.
Elaine and John Boyd (October 25) Elaine and John are members of the Preston SS Class.
Jill and Roger Buckmaster Melissa and Kelly (October 25). Jill and Bosserman (November 8) Roger have joined the with their three children. Fellowship Forum SS Class.
Evangelism Sharing Christ This Season By Yolanda Toney
During the Christmas season, we have the opportunity to share Christ. People’s hearts seem more open and warm to spiritual thoughts and togetherness. Don’t miss this opportunity to share the story and the love of Christ. Host some sort of fellowship in your home or help host with a friend or neighbor. You could host a cookie baking party, a potluck meal, or you could invite families with young children and read a classic Christmas story. Some favorites you may try are The Best Christmas Pageant Ever or ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. Years ago when I was new to the area, a neighbor invited me to a cookie exchange. I went expecting not to know anyone there, but grateful for the holiday invitation. After being there for a few minutes, I saw a very familiar woman. She noticed me across the room as well and we made our way
towards each other. We both admitted we knew each other but we couldn’t immediately recall how. After going down the lists of places we had lived, we soon discovered that as my family was moving to California, hers was moving from California. Our sons had been on the same soccer team until their move. What a gift it was to rekindle that relationship and that neighbor gave it to us! What had been a brief acquaintance became a friendship. We pray that you will make a difference in someone’s life this holiday season.
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OLEC New Floor at the OLEC In case you didn’t know the OLEC
Because the OLEC is used by so many, we also replaced the four square and cross court basketball game lines to accommodate our youth ministry and our basketball ministry. All lines and center court logo were replaced with updated colors and the new floor striping looks absolutely amazing. Several more layers of gym floor finish and days of drying time and the gymnasium was finally complete and ready for full access on Monday, October 19.
The decision was made to remove a portion of the floor to clear away the damaged wood and subflooring to reach the concrete below where water had settled. Once the flooring was completely removed, the concrete had to be dried as well, which took several days. After the drying process the new sub floor and top maple boards were installed and the entire floor was sanded down to the bare wood. The sanding process removed all of the old floor markings which then required new floor striping for the various courts used in our recreation ministry including the base basketball court, volleyball lines and Pickleball lines.
Special thanks to RJ Barnett at Servpro, Jacob Honshell with Honshell Construction and John Hisaw with Delta Restoration Services for their hard work and timeliness in getting this project complete in time for basketball season and GUMC’s 175th Anniversary Celebration. A huge thanks also to Steve Buzbee with Gym Service and Installation Company, Inc. for the beautiful new gym stripes and logo.
gymnasium was recently renovated due to an unfortunate plumbing issue. While the plumbing issue was addressed immediately, over the course of the next few days, the floor began to show signs of damage, and after consulting with flooring professionals it was clear that a repair of some sort was eminent. The damage was assessed and the insurance company began working on the renovation plan which began on August 31.
OLEC Holiday Challenge
Seven weeks, some paint fumes and lots of patience from our staff and instructors and the renovation is complete! Please come check out our new floor and bring your soft-soled, non-marking shoes when you do!
Get ready or get over it Holiday Challenge is HERE!
November 20 to December 20 You better not cry, you better not pout!
A great start to a healthy habit during the holidays! It’s not too late to start the OLEC Holiday Challenge! From November 20 through December 20, we invite you to participate in our goal to keep fit during the holidays! Don’t worry if you start late, you can start this routine anytime!
Each dopumped, 20 of You day better get youeach: better workout! Minutes of Cardio Pull-ups reverse dips Eachorday do of each: V-Ups T-Pushups minutes of cardio walking lunges burpees pull-ups or Walking Lunges jump squats reverse dips Burpees climbers v-ups Jump Squats walkouts t-pushups Climbers Walkouts
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Use this as a warm up or a cool down if you’re a super elf. if you’re a humble elf, just do this as your daily workout.
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what about Prizes? better health, a sense of accomplishment, & a great start to a healthy habit during the Holidays!
OLEC First Place 4 Health Healthy Boundaries
Thursdays, January 14-April 14 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. | OLEC Oasis Room Orientation is January 14. First class begins January 21. People without boundaries can quickly lose direction. Learn how to create intentional boundaries to leap the hurdles of temptation and not compromise your commitment to weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. Discover how God can empower you to assess, define and rebuild physical, mental, emotional and spiritual boundaries. This study is a great option for those looking for a lunchtime Bible study. Even if you’re not trying to lose weight, this study will help create
Children’s Alternative Christmas Market Sunday, December 6 Room 260, Children’s Wing During the 9:40 and 11 class hours Children will learn the value of free trade and then have the opportunity to shop a free-trade market for special gifts. Each gift is $5. Your children may purchase as many gifts as they wish. Bring a list of names and $5 for each gift. The gifts are pre-wrapped and will be tagged for your child before leaving. This event is a gift of love from the missions committee to our children and is a treasured tradition for our young ones. To allow for Christmas morning surprises, parents are discouraged from entering the shopping area. If you have a preschool child who would like to shop, we will have adult “shopping guides” available to assist. Preschoolers are invited to shop between worship hours, either before the 9:40 hour or before the 11:00 hour. Elementary children will shop during their Sunday School hour.
a healthy lifestyle habits. Today is the day to take back your life! This First Place 4 Health Bible Study contains 12 weeks of daily study designed to help you put Christ in first place, as well as weekly Live It Trackers to document your progress. Also included are Scripture memory cards, an inspirational CD, and two complete weeks of menu plans with grocery lists, recipes and detailed nutrition information. This inspirational CD, written by Cindy Schirle, M.Ed., LPC, will help you develop healthy emotional boundaries in your spiritual life, in your emotions, and in your thoughts. The cost is $30 each, which includes book. Register online at germantownumc.org.
Children’s Ministry Milk ‘N Muffins
Saturday, December 12 | 9-11 a.m. Milk and Muffins is a long-standing Advent tradition at GUMC. Families create memories while enjoying breakfast treats, making crafts, hearing the Christmas story, and visiting with the Jolly Guy himself! Plan to drop by the Fellowship Hall on Saturday, December 12, between 9 and 11 a.m. Bring your camera to capture the joy (or screams) as your child shares his/her wish list with Santa. 7
Adult Education Spiritual Healing Spiritual Healing in the Second Half of Life Starting January 11, join Dr. Bill Walker for an intellectually challenging, psychologically intriguing, and spiritually affirming 8-week seminar, introducing three important books and their authors as we seek to understand suffering and trauma, and the psyche’s way of overcoming the brokenness caused by both. “Psyche” is the Greek word for “soul” and this study will explore how the soul uses the work of grace in our quest for wholeness. The books will help us to find a fresh way of thinking about spirituality that grows throughout life and explain why the second half of life can and should be full of spiritual richness. The three books we will review are: • Trauma and the Soul by Donald Kalsched, which covers the nature of suffering and its transformation. • Falling Upward – A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr which uses the 12-step model as a discipline of how to work at our spiritual addictions (such as suffering and trauma). • Why Religion Matters – the Fate of the Human Spirit in an Age of Disbelief by Houston Smith, which takes a new look at spirituality for the 21st century. Dr. Walker is a licensed Psychotherapist, Jungian Psychoanalyst, and a retired United Methodist Minister of the Memphis Conference. Dr. Walker has been teaching and worshipping at GUMC for over 25 years and is a counselor at the McVay Counseling Center. The class promises to be a stimulating experience for all who are willing to read the material and come to the sessions with an open, yet questioning mind.
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There is no cost for the study, but you will need to purchase the books and get an overview of the thesis of each. MEETINGS: Mondays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Register at germantownumc.org. For further information, contact Mary Groh at mgroh@germantownumc.org or call 754-5093.
New Adult Small Group Study New Adult Small Group Studies Start in January We know Germantown UMC is a large church and it can be difficult to find a place where you feel you can ask questions, listen to ideas, or explore more of what you hear in worship. That’s why we have small groups! Small groups of Christians caring for one another, praying, studying and serving together are a foundation of Methodism and allow a person to grow in his or her faith with the help of other people who can provide encouragement and support. We have some exciting adult small group studies planned for Winter/Spring 2016! Studies will include topics such as a Bible Study on David, a Health and Wellness study, a look at Spirituality in the 21st Century, a study on the Holy Spirit, and a study of some of the biblical characters who are our companions as we journey through life. Look for more information about our upcoming classes in our Adult Study brochure available in late December! Big things happen in small groups. Our hope is to see you in worship, and … in a Small Group Study!
Adult Education 2016 Women’s Retreat Registration for the 2016 Women’s Retreat, “A Little Bit of Grace, a Whole Lot of Mercy,” is filling up quickly. We still have a few spaces, but don’t postpone signing up! We are limited to 75 participants, and last year registration was full well before the Christmas holidays. The retreat is February 5-6 at Pinecrest Conference Center in LaGrange, Tennessee. Study sessions will be led by Lisa Pierce, GUMC Director of Children’s Ministry and music by Ilace Mears, award-winning hammered dulcimer player (and former GUMC member).
Attendance Options: • Check in between 3 and 6 p.m. Friday (cost is $70 and includes 3 meals & snacks) • Check in by 8:15 a.m. Saturday (cost is $35 for Saturday only and includes breakfast, lunch and mid-morning snack). • Check out by 4 p.m. on Saturday Let this retreat be a time to slow down, enjoy time with friends, and grow closer to God. Register online at germantownumc.org. For more information, pick up a brochure at the Welcome Center or call Mary Groh at 754-5093.
Our retreat promises you an opportunity to: • Refresh and recharge in the perfect setting • Create new friendships and strengthen existing relationships • Hear and discuss a message created just for you! With games, fellowship, delicious food and cozy fireplaces, you can relax and have fun in your favorite loungewear and treat yourself to a time of enrichment and spiritual renewal.
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Older Adult Ministry 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!
December Brown Bag Lunch January Brown Bag Lunch Learn How to Organize Your Life and Home at the January Brown Bag Lunch! When it comes to organizing your home, having enough space and storage can sometimes be a challenge. Join us for a presentation where you will hear and see doable tips and tricks from two local organizers on creative and efficient ways to store and manage your belongings. From helpful products to finding extra storage space to good organizing habits, there will be great information you can put to use in your home at the January Brown Bag Lunch Series, an adventure in learning sponsored by the Older Adult Council. TOPIC: “Making the Most of Storage and Space” SPEAKER: Amy Tuggle and Fran Cutshall, owners, Stay Organized with Us WHERE: Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall James Cornfoot, Instructor of Music at Rhodes College, will guide us through “A History of Christmas Caroling.” This presentation will be Friday, December 4, 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.
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WHEN: January 8, 2016. Program starts at 11 a.m.; lunch is at noon. This is a change from our usual first Friday schedule because of New Year’s Day. 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. There will be a crossing guard on West Street to help with overflow parking.
Older Adult Ministry XYZs in January
XYZs in Febuary XYZs Attend Lenten Preaching Series and Tour Trinity Lutheran Church
XYZs See Humpback Whales in January An extraordinary journey into the mysterious world of one of nature’s most awe-inspiring marine mammals, Humpback Whales takes audiences to Alaska, Hawaii, and the Kingdom of Tonga for an immersive look at how these whales communicate, sing, feed, play, and take care of their young. Join a team of researchers as they unlock the secrets of the humpback and find out what makes them the most acrobatic of all whales, why only the males sing, and why these intelligent 50-foot, 48-ton animals migrate more than 6,000 miles round-trip every year. After the movie, we will have lunch at Patrick’s restaurant on Park Avenue. WHERE: CTI 3D Giant Theater and Patrick’s Restaurant WHEN: Tuesday, January 19, 2016 COST: $7 per person plus lunch on your own DEPARTURE: 9:45 a.m. from OLEC parking lot. (Be there by 9:30 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: Tuesday, December 15
As part of our observance of Lent, we are going downtown to listen to the Rev. Dr. Tony Campolo, Professor Emeritus, Eastern University in St. Davids, PA, at the Lenten Preaching Series at Calvary Episcopal Church followed by lunch at the Calvary Waffle Shop. For 40 years, Campolo founded and led the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education, an organization that created and supported programs serving needy communities in the Third World as well as in “at risk” neighborhoods across North America. More recently, Dr. Campolo has provided leadership for the Red Letter Christians movement. On the way home, we will tour Trinity Lutheran Church, which was originally formed to minister to the Germanspeaking people of Memphis in 1855. The present church was built in 1874 and is one of the oldest existing churches in the City. WHERE: Calvary Episcopal Church and Trinity Lutheran Church WHEN: Wednesday, February 24, 2016 COST: $3 per person plus lunch on your own DEPARTURE: 10 a.m. from OLEC parking lot. (Be there by 9:45 a.m.) RESERVATIONS: Call Luci Cromer, 755-0803, Louise McGhee, 755-3463, or Nancy Arnold, 7546326. You must make your reservation before paying. DEADLINE FOR MONEY and RESERVATIONS: Wednesday, January 27
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United Methodist Women It is easy to sign up to bake cookies, just go to our website and select UMW Christmas Cookie Shoppe and click the “Go to Sign-Up Genius” link. Please contact Barbara Schanson at barcons@comcast.net or Ronnie Pruitt at veronicatp@yahoo.com if you need help with the signup process.
Christmas Cookie Shoppe United Methodist Women’s Annual Christmas Cookie Shoppe Saturday, December 12 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Nursery/Preschool area Plans have been set for the annual Christmas Cookie Shoppe! It is a great opportunity for church members and friends to buy festive and beautiful homemade cookies and candies to enjoy or give as gifts during the Christmas holidays. The funds raised will be given to the missions supported by the United Methodist Women of our church. Let’s start baking! You do not have to be active in a UMW Circle— all GUMC women are members of the United Methodist Women! We so appreciated the cookies that were baked last year by so many from our congregation! Get creative! We want cookies that are made from scratch and out of the ordinary so that we can offer our family and friends very special holiday treats!!! PLEASE, NO CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES! We will have some there for sale, but know that they are favorites of many and we don’t need an abundance of them! Is fudge your specialty? Please make some fudge! We need your help to raise significant funds for so many worthy causes! Last year’s Christmas Cookie Shoppe was a big hit. This year we know that with more participation we can make it even more wonderful!
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Guidelines for Cookie Bakers: •B ake 12 dozen of ONE KIND of cookie (may be frozen if wrapped properly). •C ookies must be delivered to the church on Friday, December 11 before 3 p.m. •P lease deliver to the Nursery area, yellow room to the left. Please label them for Cookie Shoppe. • I nclude a 3x5 card with your name and type of cookie •B ring your cookies in DISPOSABLE containers. We will be placing them in decorated trays. Those attending will receive a bakery box and a glove and will be able to choose from over 100 different cookies and candies. After choices are made, the boxes will be weighed and sold for $8.00 per pound. Pre-orders of boxed cookies can be made; a form will be provided with payment required at the time of order. For more information contact chairpersons: Ronnie Pruitt at veronicatp@yahoo.com Barbara Schanson at barcons@comcast.net
December Brunch Tuesday, December 8 10:30 a.m. | Fellowship Hall Music will be provided by our own Natalie Duncan and the new 2016 officers will be installed. Reserve your spot by calling 754-7216 on or before Thursday, Dec 3. $10 is payable at the door.
Missions
Toy Drive Toys Needed For Reelfoot Rural Ministries Toy Store Simple statements can be powerful. Jesus said “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God,” and “I am the light of the world,” and “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Those in need arriving for Reelfoot Rural Ministries’ annual Toy Store have shared simple words that proclaim testimonial power and reflect hope for raising children in difficult times: “ Thank you so much for the toys I bought for my kids. What you do for Christmas is wonderful. If it were not for what you do, my kids would not have a Christmas.” “ I found hard times this year. If it were not for your help, I would not have a Christmas for my children.”
Last Christmas, children from over 700 families received toys through RRM’s Toy Store. Parents pay a small amount to “buy” five new toys for each eligible child. They will also provide 60 gifts for the Senior Program. RRM encourages UM churches to be a part of this wonderful way of celebrating the Savior’s birth by collecting new toys and delivering them to them by Friday, December 4. GUMC usually sends the toys home with the RRM director the afternoon of Alternative Christmas. They will also provide 60 senior program participants with a personal gift. Gifts and toys should not be wrapped and price tags should not be removed. Please leave gifts in either of the two large Rubbermaid bins downstairs behind the Fellowship Hall. We will deliver them on December 6. A list of suggested toys is available at the Information Center and online. To save space, please hold non-Christmas donations until after December 6. We’ll have another run early next year.
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Advent Season Musical Offerings Advent & Christmas Musical Offerings GUMC Music Ministry offers celebrative music for the Advent and Christmas season in concert, and worship services throughout the month. Our Children’s Choirs will present a concert on December 6 at 5 p.m. that concludes with the Plum Pudding Festival. The voices of children will be the heralding of the season on this second Sunday in Advent. The 25th Annual Community Carol Festival will be held on Sunday, December 13 at 5 p.m. The Chancel Choir, along with accomplished orchestral musicians from throughout the community, will present seasonal music, including familiar carols such as “The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy,” “Still, Still, Still,” “In Dulci Jubilo” and others. Featured in this concert is the Gospel Magnificat, a setting of the song of Mary in a joyful and vigorous gospel style. The Hendrix College Choir of Conway, Arkansas, will present “A Service of Lessons and Carols” on Thursday evening, December 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Each year, this outstanding college choir prepares this service for a campus event and then “takes it on the road” to a United Methodist Church before students take their winter break. This beautiful service features scripture readings and choral music. Music for the Holy Night returns this season on Christmas Eve at 10:30 p.m., just before the 11:00 Communion Service. Matthew Hayner and Jacquelyn Skoog will be our guest artists for this event and present familiar carols as well as classic works from the great composers. This is Matthew and Jacquelyn’s first concert as a newly married couple!
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Each worship service during the season will also offer unique and joyful expressions in music of the season. December 13: Testimony, GUMC’s choir for junior high and high school, will lead the music at the 8:30 service. At 9:30 and 11:00, our children’s choirs will call us to worship. December 20: At the 8:30 and 11:00 service, Matins Bell Choir will present energetic offerings accompanied by a percussion ensemble. December 24 – Christmas Eve Services 3:00 and 4:00 – Services for Families with young children, led by Lisa Pierce with musical leadership by one of our Ancient-Modern Praise Teams. 6:00 – Holy Communion, with musical leadership by our Ancient-Modern Praise Teams. 7:30 – Holy Communion, with Chancel Choir. 10:30 – Music for the Holy Night with guest vocalists, Matthew Hayner and Jacquelyn Skoog. 11:00 – Holy Communion. December 27 – Testimony Reunion Choir will lead worship at 11:00. There are only two services the Sunday morning after Christmas: 9:30 – Ancient Modern, and 11:00 – Traditional. The Advent and Christmas season is a great time to invite friends and family to join you in worship at GUMC. The beauty of the sanctuary decorated for the holiday as well as special teachings from our pastors and music from our choirs, organist, children, youth and bell choirs bring joy and peace in this holiest of seasons.
Advent Season
Blue Christmas Tuesday, December 8 6 p.m. | Chapel The holidays are not always jubilant times for everyone. Blue Christmas is a worship service designed for those in our congregation and community who might need a quieter, more meditative focus during the holiday season. This service is led by Rev. Dr. Brad Gabriel and Rev. Ryan Boatright. A quiet reception led by our Stephen Ministers will be held in the Church Parlor following the service. If Blue Christmas sounds like something that meets your needs, or if you know someone who might appreciate a quieter, more pensive worship service during the holiday season, please encourage them to attend.
Testimony Reunion Choir | Sunday, December 27
Calling all alumni of Testimony Youth Choir! We will sing for the 11 a.m. worship service on Sunday, December 27. Rehearsal will be at 10 a.m. the same day in the choir room. Please contact Natalie Duncan at nduncan@germantownumc.org or 490-2552 if you have any questions. 15
Youth Ministry Chillax Retreat
Stewardship 2016 Element & Trek Kick Off
December 18 - 19 5 p.m. Friday - 12 p.m. Saturday Sign up online for this FREE retreat. Our 3rd annual Chillax Retreat is right around the corner. Join us for a little time relaxing, playing games, worshipping, and lots of other fun surprises. The only cost for the retreat is for your food and whatever activity your group does for the evening. This overnight retreat is loads of fun and super CHILLLL. Come hang with us!
Element Gift Swap Sunday, December 13 6-8 p.m. | OLEC Come join us for our annual Element Gift Swap. Bring a homemade or recycled gift. Don’t buy anything. Wear your best Tacky Christmas gear and join us for a night of food, a few Christmas carols, and the best gift swap ever!
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Sunday, January 10 Come join us as we kick-off our spring semester. We will have Trek at 9:40 and 11:00 with Gibson’s, worship, and a new set-up. We’ll kick-off Element in a BIG WAY that you will not want to miss! Come join us for both of these stellar events as we kickoff a new year and a new season!!
Special Events Alternative Christmas Markets Children’s Alternative Christmas Market Sunday, December 6 9:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Sunday School Area Children attending Sunday School will be given the opportunity to go to the Market during their regular Sunday School hours and the concept of alternative giving and helping people around the globe will be incorporated into their Sunday School lessons! (Parents will be receiving more information in the regular Sunday School communications.) In addition, all children are welcome to attend the Children’s Market anytime during the 9:30 – 12:15 timeframe. At the Market, shopping assistants will help them buy fair trade items. All gifts are $5 and will be wrapped and tagged when children leave the Market.
For the people who matter the most to you, give gifts that matter the most.
Alternative Christmas Main Market Sunday, December 13 9 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall Joining us this year will be organizations and agencies that serve the homeless, the hungry, the sick, the ones struggling to keep up in or stay in school, the poor, and the hurting; Organizations that have participated in many Alternative Christmases before and some brand new ones that we may not be so familiar with; Organizations who serve people in Memphis and ones that serve people around the globe; organizations with items to sell and ones to whom you can make a donation in honor of everyone on your holiday shopping list. All will be on hand in Fellowship Hall to help us understand the ministries they offer and how we can help — at Christmastime and beyond.
As you talk to the organizations’ representatives, you are bound to find meaningful and impactful gifts for those special people on your Christmas list! For example, I’m sure your favorite handyman would be thrilled to have contruction materials or tools donated to one of our participating agencies in his honor — and the teachers in your family would be honored to discover that uniforms, books, or tutoring time have been given in their name. Whatever your friends and family members’ interests are, there is sure to be an organization or agency whose services correspond with that interest! Bring your cash or checks because we will not be accepting credit cards. Go home with new volunteer opportunities in mind, presents with a meaning for your friends and family in hand, and a renewed understanding of the joy of helping others in your heart. 17
December Events December 1-5 Tuesday, December 1 6:30 a.m. - Sonrise Men’s Group 6:00 p.m. - Evangelism Committee Meeting Wednesday, December 2 6:30 a.m. - Rutherford Men’s Prayer Group 6:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir Rehearsal Friday, December 4 11:00 a.m. - Brown Bag Lunch
December 6-12 Sunday, December 6 6:00 a.m. - Youth First Community Breakfast 8:30, 9:40 & 11:00 a.m. - Worship Services 5:00 p.m. - Element Tuesday, December 8 6:30 a.m. - Sonrise Men’s Group 10:30 a.m. - UMW Brunch 6:00 p.m. - Blue Christmas Service 7:00 p.m. - Church Board meeting
Wednesday, December 16 6:30 a.m. - Rutherford Men’s Prayer Group Thursday, December 17 9:00 a.m. - Jillian Michaels BodyShred™ 7:30 p.m. - Hendrix College Choir Concert in Sanctuary (open to public) Friday, December 18 5:00 p.m. - Youth Chillax Retreat Begins
December 20-26 Sunday, December 20 8:30, 9:40 & 11:00 a.m. - Worship Services Tuesday, December 22 6:30 a.m. - Sonrise Men’s Group Wednesday, December 23 6:30 a.m. - Rutherford Men’s Prayer Group
Wednesday, December 9 6:30 a.m. - Rutherford Men’s Prayer Group
Thursday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) Church Office Closed Christmas Eve Services: 3 & 4 p.m. - (Families with Young Children) 6, 7:30 & 11 p.m. - Holy Communion 10:30 p.m. - Music for the Holy Night
Thursday, December 10 9:00 a.m. - Jillian Michaels BodyShred™
Friday, December 25 (Christmas Day) Church Office Closed
Saturday, December 12 9:00 a.m. - Christmas Cookie Shoppe 9:00 a.m. - Milk ‘n Muffins With Santa
December 27-31
December 13-19 Sunday, December 13 8:30, 9:40 & 11:00 a.m. - Worship Services 9:00 a.m. - Alternative Christmas Market (Adults) 12:00 p.m. - The Middle Holiday Lunch 5:00 p.m. - 25th Annual Carol Festival Monday, December 14 6:15 p.m. - XYZs Board Meeting Tuesday, December 15 6:30 a.m. - SonRise Men’s Group
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Sunday, December 27 9:40 & 11:00 a.m. - Worship Services Tuesday, December 29 6:30 a.m. - SonRise Men’s Group Wednesday, December 30 6:30 a.m. - Rutherford Men’s Prayer Group Thursday, December 31 9:00 a.m. - Jillian Michaels BodyShred™
Giving at the End of the Year Christmastime is the perfect time to reflect on how God has blessed us to be a blessing. Your gift helps our church to serve those in need and make disciples for God. Like many charitable organizations, we are very dependent on year-end giving to support our ministries throughout the year.
Cash, Check, Electronic Payment Of course, the most common way of giving is with a check. In addition, the convenience of your bank’s bill pay can be used to send a check as well. Finally, the church can auto-draft your contribution monthly if you wish. Please contact Sharon Panis to arrange that.
In 2 Corinthians 9:11-12 we read that we are enriched not simply or even primarily for our own enjoyment, but so that we can be generous on every occasion … supplying the needs of the Lord’s people.
Stocks The stock market is up, no, wait, it’s down. Or maybe it’s doing something else. No one knows if or when a downturn in the market might occur. One way to avoid the capital gains taxes that might come by selling stock is to gift the stock to the church. The tax savings may be significant. Talk to your tax planner or financial consultant. Contact Sharon Panis to facilitate this.
Here, at the end of the year, let’s make plans to ensure that we are making the work of the Lord possible in every way. One important way is through your financial gifts. Most of us give from our ready cash. That is a good thing to do. There are many ways to give as well here in December. Whatever decisions you make, please make them in consultation with a qualified planner. Also, please remember that in order for a gift to be counted as a charitable contribution in 2015, for tax purposes, it must either be received by December 31, postmarked by December 31, or transacted online by December 31. Your decisions advance the kingdom of God.
Estate Planning Fewer than half of all American adults have a will. If we are serious about and committed to our church while we are alive, then providing for our church when we are gone makes sense, too. A bequest of property, financial instruments, savings, accounts, and other resources may be of benefit to your estate, allowing more of what you have acquired in this life to continue the work of the church and leave more for your loved ones as well. Talk to your tax planner or financial consultant.
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