The Tidings - April 2015 by Germantown UMC

The

Tidings GERMANTOWN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

April 2015

Table of Contents 4-5

GUMC Life

6-7

Children’s Ministry

8-9

Older Adults

Missions

OLEC

Adult Education

United Methodist Women

United Methodist Men

Special Events

April Events

Ministry Contacts Children’s Ministry Lisa Pierce - Director of Children’s Ministry 758-6512 • lpierce@germantownumc.org Kristin Dickerson - Associate Director 901-754-7216 • kdickerson@germantownumc.org Janelle Crist - Associate Director 901-758-6525 • jcrist@germantownumc.org Older Adults Beverly Rhoads - Elder Care Health Ministry Coordinator 901-758-6513 • brhoads@germantownumc.org Luci Cromer • 755-0803 • luci2@comcast.net United Methodist Men Rev. Jack Henton • 754-7216• jhenton@germantownumc.org

Adult Education Mary Groh - Director of Adult Education and Membership 754-5093 • mgroh@germantownumc.org Youth Ministry Jason Baker - High School Director + College Connector, 758-6515 • jbaker@germantownumc.org Sue Hyland - Middle School Director + Confirmation Director, 758-6516 • shyland@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 April Sermons April 5 Easter Sunday “The Tomb is Empty” (Luke 24:1-12) April 12 “On The Road To Emmaus” (Luke 24:13-35) April 19 Rev. Ryan Boatright “The God in Our Midst” (Psalm 139:1-11) April 26 “An Easter Church In An Increasingly Secular World” (Matthew 28:8-20)

Holy Communion in April Because Easter falls on the first Sunday of the month and the focus of the ensuing Sundays is the truth of resurrection, we will not celebrate the Sacrament in April. However, keep in mind that on Maundy Thursday, April 2, we will celebrate Holy Communion at our evening service. This allows each of us just prior to April 5 to participate in this holy time.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt

from Richard The week from Palm Sunday (March 29) to Easter morning (April 5) is, as I think you know, called Holy Week. Please note that we have a Maundy Thursday service (the night Jesus is arrested) on April 2 and a Good Friday service on April 3 (the day of Jesus’ crucifixion). During this week you can also experience the spiritual enrichment of the Stations of the Cross in our vestibule outside the main sanctuary, developed by our Prayer and Spiritual Formation ministry team. Then, of course, we move to the glory of Easter Sunday and multiple worship opportunities. There is the youth outdoor service at 6:30 a.m.; three sanctuary services at 8:30, 9:40 (Ancient-Modern), and 11 a.m.; and a youth led AncientModern service at 11 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall with Jason Baker preaching. All of these experiences are venues through which each of us can renew our understanding of the call and commitment of Jesus, can celebrate God’s gift of resurrection, and can recommit to Jesus as Lord of our lives.

Saturday, April 4, 9:30 a.m. McVay Gardens Park Grab the kids, find the Easter baskets, and come on down! There will be a petting farm, train rides, face painting, games, and a visit from the Easter Bunny! Please park at the OLEC. Don’t forget your Easter Baskets! 3

GUMC Life Welcoming New Members From The Evangelism Committee • Remember that hospitality is at the core of the Gospel. • Honor Christ in everyone and know that God seeks to be in relationship with ALL persons. • Know that 40 percent of visitors make up their mind about a church before they even see the pastor, according to Barna Research. Within two minutes of the beginning of a service visitors have formed an opinion about whether the congregation is friendly. • Enact the “circle of ten” rule — that you will greet anyone, member or guest, who comes within ten feet of you. • Say, “I don’t think we’ve met before” if you are not sure if the person next to you is a member or a visitor. • Wear your nametag. If you don’t have a nametag, call the church office to order one. • Welcome visitors who come to the church for the first time for an event other than worship.

Highlighting Prayer Pray with Simplicity And when you come before God, don’t make that into a theatrical production. Here’s what I want you to do. Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace. The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. The Message Selected verses from Matthew 6

From 50 Ways to Welcome New People, The Lewis Center for Church Leadership, Wesley Theological Seminary.

April Meeting of SOLOS All single ladies are invited to our next monthly meeting on Monday, April 20, in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. Please contact Kay Lindamood at 754-6033 with your reservation by noon, April 20.

GUMC Life Welcome New Members

Lisa and James Campbell (3/8/15)

Lynda and Hershel Basham (3/8/15)

Melanie and Chris Sobczak (3/1/15)

Lent by Candlelight A Success The focus of Lent By Candlelight, held February 26, was to prepare our hearts and minds for the season of Lent. Ladies enjoyed desserts and coffee and hot tea in the Fellowship Hall while seated at tables adorned with candlelight and beautiful place settings. Donations were collected to benefit Room In The Inn. Guests then walked together down the candlelit hallways and gathered in the Chapel for a service of scripture reading, singing of hymns, and a message delivered by Chesley Porteous. 5

Children’s Ministry “Everest: Conquering Challenges With God’s Mighty Power” VBS 2015 FAQs When is VBS? Traditional weekday VBS: June 8-12, 9 a.m. – 12:00 noon. New this year: Weeknight VBS: June 3-5, 5:30-8:00 p.m., designed specifically for those who are not available to come during the day. How do I register? Register online or contact Sherrell at 754-7216, ext. 135. What is the cost? $25 registration fee helps cover the costs of T-shirts, music CDs, crafts, and fun take-home items. (If this fee prevents you from attending, please contact Lisa Pierce at 758-6512. Scholarships are available.) When is the registration deadline? May 31, 2015. Pre-registration is required. What is the theme? “Everest: Conquering Challenges With God’s Mighty Power.” In a crazy world full of uncertainty, kids need reassurance that God is in control. This year’s Vacation Bible School is designed to do just that … give children confidence that God has the power to provide our needs, comfort us, heal us, forgive us, and love us forever! During our time, we will trek from base camp to the peak of Mt. Everest, singing, dancing, crafting, playing, and making new friends. What ages are involved in VBS? All children ages 4 (by August 15, 2015) through rising 6th grade. (Youth who are rising 7th grade and older are encouraged to volunteer as helpers.)

Can my infant/toddler attend VBS if I volunteer? YES! We offer a special, free VBS (Group V) for volunteers’ children who were born after August 15, 2011. As you volunteer, your young one will enjoy age-appropriate stories, songs, and crafts. How can I help? We are looking for 100+ fun-loving adults and youth to help with this exciting outreach opportunity. Station Leaders are needed to lead activity stations. Crew Leaders are needed to guide small groups of children through daily activity centers. Other volunteer opportunities are available during the week of VBS and before. I want to help. What should I do? To register as a volunteer, go to the GUMC website or contact a Children’s Ministry Director. Questions? Call Lisa Pierce at 758-6512 or email lpierce@germantownumc.org.

Children’s Ministry Summer Mission Camp For Students in Grades 4 and 5 Monday, June 29 – Friday, July 3 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cost: $50 Summer Mission Camp is a new camp for current 4/5 grade students. We will participate in local missions in the Memphis metro area (two urban missions, two inner-church missions, and one rural mission). Each day, we will gather and transport to the mission site. From there, we will participate in the mission project according to the need. We will see new places, experience a world outside our comfort zone, and love others in a Christ-like fashion. This is sure to be an exciting week! Online registration opens May 1. Space is limited.

Introducing G.R.A.C.E. A New Preschool Classroom Germantown United Methodist Preschool (GUMP) proudly announces the beginning of G.R.A.C.E.: GUMP Recognizes All Can Excel, a preschool classroom for children with special needs. G.R.A.C.E. will serve children identified as having a disability, including developmental delay, starting at age 2. All enrollment registration is currently underway for the 2015-2016 school year. GUMP’s program runs mid-August through mid-May and offers a 9:30-2:30 day, with a 2, 3, or 5 day a week option. All other preschool classrooms begin at age 6 months to 5 years (transition class).

Janelle Crist Moving On After 6 years of service and ministry at Germantown United Methodist, Janelle Crist has resigned her position as of February 27. As both Director and Associate Director of Children’s Ministry, Janelle was instrumental in developing many aspects of children’s programming including Grace Place, Vacation Bible School, and several special events for children. Her love for children and her passion for God were evident in all of her work. Janelle leaves us to create more time for family commitments. She assures us that while we are losing an Associate Director, we are gaining a great volunteer! We are thankful for her many years of service & wish her many blessings in all her future endeavors. As Janelle says, “My heart will always be with GUMC and the children and families here.”

Enrollment applications and further information can be found online at www.mygump.org.

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!

May Brown Bag Lunch Bring Your Treasures to the May Brown Bag Lunch Program! When you were growing up, did your mother ever give you a dish or a vase that belonged to someone in the family and warn you never to get rid of it because it was worth a lot? Did you ever wonder whether it was worth a lot of memories or a lot of money? Bring your items to the May Brown Bag Lunch Series, an adventure in learning sponsored by the Older Adult Council, and find out. Appraisers, antique dealers, and local shop owners will be available to give you an estimated value of jewelry, china, art, books, fabric, silver, toys, games, dolls, and anything else you can carry in your hands. You may bring only four items—no pictures of items, vinyl records, coins, Orientalia, large pieces, or furniture, please. There will be a crossing guard on West Street to help with overflow parking.

April Brown Bag Lunch Don’t Forget! Jerry O. Potter, author and vice-president at The Hardison Law Firm, will tell us the little-known story about “The Sultana Tragedy: America’s Greatest Maritime Disaster.” This presentation will be Friday, April 10, in the Fellowship Hall. Please note the change in date from our regular schedule. 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.

PROGRAM: “GUMC Attic Treasures Roadshow”. There will not be a speaker. WHERE: Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall WHEN: May 1. 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

Older Adults April XYZs June Redbirds Game is XYZs Only Summer Event!

Join us as we partake in the great American pastime with a fun-filled evening at AutoZone Park. If you have never been there, you are in for a treat. Our seats are reserved in the upper dugout box, behind home plate and close to all the concessions and restrooms. Game time is 7:05 p.m., so we will have plenty of time to find our seats and pick up dinner at the ballpark. Sign up soon—there won’t be another XYZ event until September. WHERE: AutoZone Park, Memphis Redbirds play the Las Vegas 51s. WHEN: Thursday night, June 4 COST: $15 per person includes ticket and transportation. Dinner is on your own. DEPARTURE: 6 p.m. from the OLEC parking lot, 2323 West Street. (Be there by 5:45 p.m.) RESERVATIONS: Call Luci Cromer, 755-0803, Nancy Arnold, 754-6326, or Louise McGhee, 755-3463. You must make your reservation before paying. DEADLINE FOR MONEY and RESERVATIONS: May 8

May XYZs XYZs Go to Opening Night of Kiss Me, Kate in May Kiss Me, Kate is Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew set to Cole Porter’s greatest score. Two divorced and flamboyantly egocentric performers find themselves starring opposite each other in this fun, melodious, and sophisticated musical that is a tribute to theatre in all its greasepaint and glory. A Tony-award winner, it was Porter’s biggest hit, with over 1,000 performances on Broadway and songs that will bring back many memories. Join us for a fun-filled evening and the opening night reception after the performance. WHERE: Playhouse on the Square WHEN: Friday, May 8 COST: $22 per person includes reserved seat and opening night reception. 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 & RESERVATIONS: April 10

Spotlight on Seniors Annie Laurie Hall Annie Laurie (McGee) Hall was born January 7, 1922 to Charles and Eunice McGee. She was born in Decatur Mississippi, and moved to Memphis as a young and only child. She graduated from Lausanne School for Girls and The Memphis Art Academy. When the war began, Annie Laurie went to work at an Airplane Factory. While working there she met a handsome young man named Robert Lee Hall. They had a short courtship and were married on August 2, 1943. Robert went on to be an accomplished Architect and his name can be seen on the plaque outside the Owings Life Enrichment Center, as he was the building’s chief architect. Annie Laurie worked hard raising their four children - two boys, Robert Jr. and Charles, and two girls, Ann and Robin. She became involved in their many activities in both school and church and was always a willing volunteer. Annie Laurie was very involved in the life of the community. She was a founding member of the Suburban Garden Club, the Poplar Estates Garden Club, and the Germantown Women’s Club. She was a Member of Pegasus and the Germantown Charity Horseshow Committee, as well as the Germantown City Beautification Committee. In 2001, the Memphis Women Magazine awarded Annie Laurie a “50 Women Who Make A Difference” awards. That same year she also received the Jo Reed Community Service Award from the City of Germantown. Annie Laurie was a Ballroom dancer, and won many place awards for dance.

Annie Laurie attended Mullins United Methodist Church where she and her husband were active members. When they moved to Germantown, they joined Germantown United Methodist Church where she has been a member since 1963. For many years she taught children’s Sunday School Classes, and was a member of the Finney Sunday School Class where she served as president for several years. She was an active circle member and held many different positions including president of the United Methodist Women. Annie Laurie also served on the Worship committee and created beautiful floral arrangements for the Chapel and Sanctuary for many years. Annie Laurie lived at Carriage Court Assisted Living Facility for five years and most recently has moved to Belmont Village Assisted Living. She still enjoys being with her children and her seven grandchildren, and will soon enjoy meeting her eighth great grandchild. Story by Beverly Rhoads

Missions Missions Sundays

Missions Sundays

Mission Sundays

Habitat for Humanity Build

Would you like to learn more about the organizations that GUMC supports? Do you have questions about how you can make a difference? We have answers!

We began construction on our 40th Habitat house on March 27, in the Uptown section of North Memphis at 767 Woodlawn Dr.

Our next Mission Sunday is scheduled for April 12. We will be highlighting Habitat for Humanity. Please stop by our information tables outside of the sanctuary from 9:30 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12:15 p.m.

You can assist with the build on April 11, April 25, May 9, and May 23. No previous building experience is required. If you or a group would like to be involved, contact Derrick McNeal, 834-2217, or Doug Warner, 755-9729. GUMC started its first house in March 1986, so this year will mark 30 years of participation in this wonderful ministry with God at its heart!

Owings Life Enrichment Center Spring Tee Ball

Sports Camps

Registration Ends April 26

June 22-26 and July 20-24

This league is for children age 4 as of June 1, 2015 through current kindergartners. The cost to play is $70 which covers league fees and uniform. Games begin May 21. Teams will play six games on Thursdays with possibility of one Monday and/ or Saturday game. For more information contact Patrick Peavy by calling 753-3100 or emailing ppeavy@germantownumc.org.

Registration for the June camp begins April 13! The cost is $100 and includes lunch, T-shirt, and all available sports activities. Scholarships are available. (Registration for the July camp begins June 22.) For more information, contact Patrick Peavy at ppeavy@germantownumc.org.

Adult Education

Focus on Adult Sunday School: Asbury The Asbury Class is a diverse group of married and single friends in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. Some Asbury Class members have joined the class in the past year, while others have been together over 20 years. Asbury Sunday School class topics are mainly religious in focus and are as diverse as its class members. The “Asburians” are outgoing, fun-loving, and very active in church missions and leadership positions. Some of their service projects include: Discovery Weekend, Hometown Huddle, U of M Thanksgiving Dinners, and Room In The Inn. Please contact class president Russ Spahr at 569-0590 or rdspahr@att. net for additional info. We hope to see you soon!

The Asbury Sunday School class has moved time and location! They are now meeting at 9:40 a.m. at The Cottage. This move will allow members to attend Sunday School and have a choice of traditional worship services offered at 8:30 or 11:00. The Cottage provides very close parking, ground floor access, no steps, a kitchen, restrooms and a quiet meeting room area. This will allow for the class to grow!

New Sunday School Class Starts April 12: Agape Please join Yolanda and Gerald Toney as they help start a new adult Sunday School class. The first meeting of the Agape class will be on Sunday, April 12, at 11 a.m. in Room 342. We hope this class will be a diverse, multi-generational group, and everyone is welcome. Come help us get started with this brand new group. For an experience grounded in Christian love, faith and fellowship, join us as we start the new Agape Sunday School class!

United Methodist Women Spring Fling Bridge Benefit Germantown United Methodist Women will sponsor their 2015 “Spring Fling” Bridge Benefit on Tuesday, April 14, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Owings Life Enrichment Center. Proceeds from this event will go towards funding the many missions sponsored by the Germantown Methodist Women. The Benefit will include lunch, door prizes, a style show, and a Unique Boutique where you can shop during your non-play time. Players are not required to play bridge. You may play any card or board game, but you will need to bring your own gamve equipment. Registration forms are available online, and at the Welcome Center and the front desk of the OLEC. All registrations are due by April 7. For more information call Jan Dacus at 834-0455.

Unique Boutique at the Bridge Benefit We’re still collecting bric-a-brac, jewelry, small furniture (anything that will fit in a car) purses, belts, scarves (lightly worn or new), books, movies, etc. Stephanie is collecting and storing your donations at 2931 Mallard Lane, Germantown, TN 38138. To arrange your donation, contact monacodog@aol.com, 7569748 (home) or 488-4748 (cell).

Mark Your Calendar! The May UMW Luncheon on Tuesday, May 12th. More details to come.

United Methodist Men April Breakfast Saturday, April 11 - 8 a.m. Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall Our guest speaker will be Larry Colbert, President of Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South. JAMM is a business education program committed to preparing youth for life through workplace skills, promoting entrepreneurship and boosting financial literacy. The cost of this breakfast is $5 (payable at the door). Reservations may be made by calling the church 754-7216 or emailing Christina Desio at cdesio@germantownumc.org. Annual members need only call in their regrets.

Special Events Daddy Crawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jubilee April 25, 5 - 7 p.m. Owings Life Enrichment Center Schedule of Events 5-5:30 p.m. - Settle in, eat, bid on silent auction 5:30 p.m. - Introduction and Announcements 6:15 p.m. - Eating contest 6:30 - 6:45 p.m. - Live auction 6:45 - 7 p.m. - Closing announcements

Jim Thrash Retiring Jim Thrash, Director of Music, will retire from GUMC on August 31, 2015. If you would like to share a memory of or prayer for Jim, please visit germantownumc.org/request and submit your text and photos as a Tidings article. We will collect these thoughts and compile them in a Tidings feature later in the year.

April Events April 1 - 4 Wednesday, April 1 6:30 a.m. - Men’s Prayer Group 5:00 p.m. - Sanctus Bell Choir-Youth 6:00 p.m. - Synergy 6:30 p.m. - Revelation to John 6:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir Rehearsal Thursday, April 2 7:00 p.m. - Maundy Thursday Service Friday, April 3 12:00 p.m. - Good Friday Service Saturday, April 4 9:30 a.m. - Easter Egg Hunt

April 5-11 Sunday, April 5 6:30 p.m. - Youth-led Easter Sunrise Service 8:30 & 11 a.m. - Traditional Easter Services 9:40 & 11 a.m. - Ancient-Modern Easter Services Tuesday, April 7 6:30 a.m. - SonRise Men’s Group 6:00 p.m. - Evangelism Committee Meeting Wednesday, April 8 6:30 a.m. - Men’s Prayer Group 5:00 p.m. - Sanctus Bell Choir-Youth 6:00 p.m. - Synergy 6:30 p.m. - Revelation to John 6:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir Rehearsal Friday, April 10 11:00 a.m. - Brown Bag Lunch Saturday, April 11 11:00 a.m. - UMM Breakfast

April 12-18 Sunday, April 12 6:00 a.m. - Youth Community Breakfast 8:30, 9:40 & 11:00 a.m. - Worship Services 5:00 p.m. - Testimony Youth Choir 5:00 p.m. - Vespers Bell Choir 6:00 p.m. - Element 6:15 p.m. - Matins Bell Choir Monday, April 13 6:00 p.m. - Church-wide Meeting

Tuesday, April 14 6:30 a.m. - SonRise Men’s Group Wednesday, April 15 6:30 a.m. - Men’s Prayer Group 5:00 p.m. - Sanctus Bell Choir 6:00 p.m. - Synergy 6:30 p.m. - Revelation to John 6:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir

April 19 - 25 Sunday, April 19 8:30, 9:40 & 11:00 a.m. - Worship Services 5:00 p.m. - Children’s Choirs 5:00 p.m. - Testimony Youth Choir 5:00 p.m. - Vespers Bell Choir 6:00 p.m. - Element 6:15 p.m. - Matins Bell Choir Monday, April 20 5:30 p.m. - Solo’s Meeting Tuesday, April 21 6:30 a.m. - SonRise Men’s Group 4:00 p.m. - XYZ Trip Wednesday, April 22 6:30 a.m. - Men’s Prayer Group 5:00 p.m. - Sanctus Bell Choir 6:00 p.m. - Synergy 6:30 p.m. - Revelation to John 6:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir Saturday, April 25 5:00 p.m. - Daddy Craw’s Jubilee

April 26 - 30 Sunday, April 26 8:30, 9:40 & 11:00 a.m. - Worship Services 5:00 p.m. - Children’s Choirs 5:00 p.m. - Vespers Bell Choir 6:00 p.m. - Element 6:15 p.m. - Matins Bell Choir Tuesday, April 28 6:30 a.m. - SonRise Men’s Group Wednesday, April 29 6:30 a.m. - Men’s Prayer Group 5:00 p.m. - Sanctus Bell Choir 6:00 p.m. - Synergy 6:30 p.m. - Revelation to John 6:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir 15

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.