The
Tidings GERMANTOWN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
April 2016
Table of Contents 4-9 GUMC Life 10-11
UMW
12-14
Older Adult
14
Adult Education
15
OLEC
16-20
Youth
20 UMM 21
The Middle
22
FSU
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Events Calendar
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 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 753-3100 • tgriffin@germantownumc.org See full staff listing at www.germantownumc.org/staff
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The next church board meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m in the Fellowship Hall on April 25. All church members are encouraged to attend.
April Sermons April 3 “On the Road to Emmaus” Luke 24:13-35 April 10 “Raising the Dead” Rev. Ryan Boatright & Rev. Dr. Brad Gabriel John 11 April 17 Guest Speaker: Dr. Michael Williams April 26 “Doubting Thomas” John 20:24-31; Luke 24: 1-12
from Richard The days and Sundays after Easter often seem to church folks as anti-climactic. That’s understandable given that Easter is at the heart of our Christian faith and that the celebration of Easter is experientially wonderful. Here at GUMC we will continue the Easter celebration as we move farther along in our series, “Encounters with Jesus.” Each of the sermons during this month, including the one by Dr. Michael Williams on April 17, will center upon another encounter Jesus has with someone. Each of these encounters produce for us meaningful insights for our personal spiritual development and our growth in discipleship. I hope you will be here as often as you can. Also, I hope you will be in regular prayer for our United Methodist General Conference which is May 10-20. Our Prayer and Spiritual Formation Team has designed a journey of prayer which is worth our attention and response.
Welcome New Members!
Lisa & David Hagen (Delaney) | March 6, 2016
Pam & Rob Hingle | March 6, 2016
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GUMC Life
Forty six years ago on April 22, we celebrated the first Earth Day, trying to bring attention to the fact that while we think we “own” the land, our true role is that of stewards of the world. In Genesis 1, God carefully and lovingly creates a world that culminates in the creation of man—in his own image. Man is so highly thought of by God that he gives man dominion over the land, sea, air, and all the creatures therein. When he is finished, God smiles and says “I like it, it is good.” As we celebrate Earth Day, it is a time to reflect on how we have done as stewards of this earth that God so lovingly created. Often our thoughts on the Earth are focused primarily on the land (green). I’ll bet that most of us are like me in that aspect; yet land comprises only 3% of the living space on this planet—the rest is in the vast oceans (blue) and their depths. While we know quite a bit about the land and its creatures, we know about only some 5% of the life in the oceans. No one has any idea of the secrets that ocean life may hold for us and the medical cures that may exist in that life. The primary source of oxygen from the conversion of carbon dioxide is plant photosynthesis, right? Wrong! That provides only some 30% of the air we breathe; the rest comes from the ocean. All of those little algae that we often cannot even see provide about the same oxygen as plant life on land. They
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are also the beginning of the food chain for ocean life which culminates with the large predatory fish that we love to eat. Man’s stewardship of the ocean thus far has resulted in industrialized fishing reducing the biomass of large predatory fish (again, the fish on our favorite menus) to 10% of its level before we moved beyond a simple hook and line to fill our plates. Earlier this year a Giant Blue Fin Tuna sold for $1 million in Japan. It has become rare, but not yet extinct. Several once common and popular species are now fished out and the balance of ocean life has changed, endangering other species. Another sobering fact is that the oceans are not so vast that we cannot impact them. In the Pacific, there are large accumulations of garbage that go from end to end of the earth. This trash is so vast and deep that the currents have pushed it into mounds which look like islands. Much of it is plastic in one form or another which will not decompose. Descriptions of its size have ranged from Texas to the entire US. I wonder if God is still smiling at how we have treated his creation. So as we celebrate our Earth this month, let’s all resolve to keep in mind that we are stewards of God’s earth—not owners. There are several things we can do to be better stewards. First, become better educated on our earth and what we can do. Sylvia Earle has written an excellent book on our oceans titled The World is Blue, followed by Blue Hope, Exploring And Caring For Earth’s Magnificent Ocean. In these books she gives tips about what we can do to be better stewards, even if we are few in number. Finally, read Genesis 1 and take time to contemplate and appreciate it.
GUMC Life The Indomitable Spirit of East Congo United Methodists Supported by Our Faithful Giving to Apportionments (copied from UMNS) Note: The following article is another example of what the people called United Methodists are able to accomplish thanks to our particular connectional structure. Each UMC congregation is connected to every United Methodist congregation. By supporting our fair portion of General Church expenses, you enable missions like the one below. GUMC is renowned as a mission-oriented church. Our apportionments ensure a mission reach far beyond what we normally imagine. Your financial support of GUMC’s budget makes this happen.
“Despite challenges most Christians can barely imagine, East Congolese United Methodists not only survive, they thrive."
United Methodist News Service reporter Kathy Gilbert tells their story of perseverance in the face of war, burned out churches, and internal challenges. Many of the churches are in areas where war has never ended. “There is fighting every day; most of the time we sleep in the jungle and come home during the day,” the Rev. Buera N’Dole of the Goma District said. “His first church was destroyed, his second church burned down and heavy rain swept away his third church,” reports Gilbert. “Now we are meeting under trees,” N’Dole said. He added he does not know when people can attend church from one day to the next, but he has a congregation of 120. “I am called to be a United Methodist pastor; it is my faith. Christians still have faith,” he said.
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GUMC Life SOLOS - "Salad Supper"
Memphis Annual Conference GUMC needs additional delegates to our 2016 Annual Conference session in Jackson, Tennessee, June 19-22. The Church covers all expenses. Our current laity delegates are: Dinah Allison, Roz Ashworth, Melody Chipley, Ed Roberson, Conrad and Barbara Schanson and Trish Stephenson. This year’s session will meet June 19-22 in Jackson, TN. Please hold your delegates in prayer as they prepare for their work this summer. For more information contact Renee Pearl at rpearl@germantownumc.org or 754-7216.
Monday | April 18 5:30 p.m. | Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall Bring your favorite salad and come prepared to talk about yourself for a couple of minutes. We will play a game with the information you share. For more information contact Kay Lindamood at 483-8277.
A Call to Prayer In February, we welcomed Bishop Joe Pennel to begin a conversation around General Conference and in particular, petitions coming before General Conference. As we continue to look ahead to General Conference, our Prayer and Spiritual Formation Committee has created a prayer journey that begins April 4 and continues through General Conference. This prayer journey is an opportunity to pray for all involved in General Conference, all Annual Conferences, all delegates, and all bishops, but in particular to pray for those delegates representing the Memphis Conference and those representing the Tennessee conference. We are encouraging you as individuals to join the prayer journey. Starting April 4, names of annual conferences and delegates will be listed at the bottom of Rev. Smith’s Ponderings email. Each day we ask that you pray for the annual conference(s) and delegates listed. We also want to encourage Sunday School classes and small groups to pray for General Conference at their regular meetings.
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GUMC Life A Call to Decency & Civility From the Clergy of GUMC We, your clergy of GUMC, have noted with growing uneasiness the rancor, incivility, indecency, and character denigration present in our current political setting. While we affirm the necessary give and take in public debate on important national matters, we believe the current level of conversation is highly unhealthy. We would never claim that we are more morally and spiritually upright than the candidates themselves or those who respectively support them, but we do claim a normative way of living among one another as American citizens; a way grounded in the Christian ethic which holds us to key practices and virtues. We see so many of these virtues lacking in the current political context. Bishop Joe Pennel on Sunday, February 28, reminded us that the first two rules of Methodism per John Wesley were “Do no harm” and “Do good.” These noble practices are sorely lacking as the various candidates run their campaigns. Wesley also wrote in his journal on October 6, 1764 other noteworthy thoughts at a time like this. He wrote: I met those of our society who had votes in the ensuing election, and advised them:
1. To vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy.
2. To speak no evil of the person they voted against.
3. To take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side.
The Apostle Paul reminded us in Philippians of those practices which define a faithful follower of the Lord Jesus: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Philippians 4:8 We are asking the members of GUMC to do all each of us can to be voices of decency and civility amidst this vulgar madness. We also ask each member to be in fervent prayer between now and the November elections that God might guide our thoughts and actions, that He might remind us of the Spirit-led life, and that He might hold our nation on his heart. Abraham Lincoln in his first inaugural address also spoke needful words when he said: We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory will swell when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.
Rev. Richard Smith Rev. Ryan Boatright
Rev. Dr. Brad Gabriel Mrs. Yolanda Toney
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GUMC Life
Five Evangelism Barriers And How to Deal With Them Below are five barriers we might face as we attempt to share the Good News of Jesus: •W e don’t know how to articulate what we believe. To overcome this obstacle, create a few talking points about the Christian faith arranged in a way that makes sense to you and memorize them. •W e try to complicate things. Jesus is at the center of the Gospel. He died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day. We're made righteous by the blood of Christ, and it’s because Christ was raised from the dead that we’re raised to new life too. We must be willing to change our hearts and lives (repent) and believe Christ died for our sins and was resurrected so we might live. Repent, believe, and confess. Keep it simple. There’s no need to get bogged down. Stick with the basics. •W e lack passion. If we aren’t excited about the Gospel, people will pick up on it. If we lack enthusiasm about our faith, we need to figure out why. There’s nothing unhealthy about testing ourselves and making sure we really believe what we say we do. Christianity isn’t just about being made righteous, it’s also about going on to perfection. •O ur prayer life stinks. If we aren’t in regular communion with God, and we aren’t praying for the people around us, odds are we won’t be as intentional about sharing our faith with them. Prayer helps us get to know God’s heart, and it’s through prayer that we cultivate a heart to see others come to know Christ and experience victory over sin. Regular prayer helps to keep our mission in focus.
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•O ur own sin holds us back. Sin drains our selfconfidence and shreds our integrity. If people know about continual sin and rebellion happening in our lives, it’s a credibility killer. We must be willing to confess our sins, ask for forgiveness and repent. Are any of these your barriers? If not, make your own list. Pray and ask God to help you remove the barriers that prohibit you from evangelizing. Talk to friends in Christ about your list and then support each other. Excerpts from Shane Raynor’s article of the same name from Ministry Matters.
GUMC Life
Nursing Scholarship Lauren Wright Hobbs Nursing Scholarship A scholarship has been established through Germantown United Methodist Church to benefit a student from our church who is pursuing a degree in nursing. This scholarship is named for Lauren Wright Hobbs who loved serving others in the nursing profession. Lauren was a long-time member of our church who lost her battle with cervical cancer at the age of 29 in October of 2013. Recipients must be members of GUMC and attending nursing school now or in the coming fall semester. The $2,000 scholarship will be awarded to the student who best fits the model that Lauren exemplified in her love of nursing. Applications may be obtained by contacting the church office or Karen Oppenheim at karen.oppenheim@gmail.com. All completed applications must be received by May 15. The Scholarship committee will review and select the recipient prior to June 12. Donations can be made to this scholarship fund by writing your check to GUMC with Lauren Wright Hobbs Scholarship noted in the memo line. 2016 is the third year for this scholarship that is dedicated to the memory of Lauren and her love of nursing. The Emmaus Sunday School Class is honored to establish this scholarship in her name.
The Wesley Foundation Memphis Annual Conference Campus Ministries The mission of The Wesley Foundation is to provide a vital witness to Jesus Christ in a university setting. Financial support through our Conference apportionments allows GUMC and other churches to maintain a United Methodist presence on no fewer than five colleges and universities regionally and many more campuses across the country. Ministry in the university setting is not new for people called Methodists. Both John and Charles Wesley had strong and active ministries among college students in the early days of our revival. From the Wesley Foundation at the University of Memphis to Murray State and UT Martin, among others, our money makes ministry possible. The two apportioned amounts GUMC has for ministry at the college and university level regionally and across the country is $25,649. Please remember this the next time we lift up our apportionment responsibilities. Without your support the Word is hampered in its proclamation across our campuses.
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GUMC Life
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GUMC Life Trivia Night & Potluck Dinner! The GUMC Kenya Mission Team is sponsoring “Team Trivia Night & Potluck Dinner� on Saturday May 7 at the OLEC. Get your team/table of 8, bring your own dinner, and come join the fun! General trivia questions for all ages of adults. Prizes for trivia winner and bestdecorated table. Also a silent auction, featuring a beach house for a week on 30A near Destin. Questions? Ed Clark 901-826-3514 or Dr. Susan Hillebrert 901-755-5962.
Children
Save the Dates! Vacation Bible School: 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m., Wednesday, June 1- Friday, June 3 Vacation Bible School: 9 a.m.-noon, Monday, June 6 - Friday, June 10. Registration for VBS will open on-line April 1 and will close May 30. Space is unlimited but must register before deadline. Mission Camp: (Rising 5th and 6th graders) Tuesday, July 5-Friday, July 8. Registration opens June 1 on-line. Space is limited. Mission Wednesdays: (Rising 1st-6th graders) We will begin Mission Wednesdays on June 22 (1 p.m.-3 p.m.). We will meet each Wednesday through July 27 (except July 6). On-line registration opens June 1. Space is limited. Movie Mondays: Beginning June 20, noon-2 p.m. We will meet each Monday in the Huddle through July 25 (except July 4). Please register for each week separately on-line. We need a head count to provide lunch. Space unlimited, $3 at door for food.
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United Methodist Women
May Celebration Luncheon Tuesday | May 10 11:30 a.m. | Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall Our May speaker is the Rev. Dorothy Sanders Wells, Rector of Saint George’s Episcopal Church. You may register to attend this luncheon online or by calling the church office at 754-7216 on or before Thursday, May 5. The luncheon begins promptly at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $10. You may pay at the door. A reservation is required for childcare. Contact Yolanda Toney at ytoney@ germantownumc.org. If you are unable to attend, or if you do not need childcare after you request it, contact Yolanda Toney by Thursday, May 5. Rev. Wells has served as the Rector at Saint George’s since November 2013. She holds degrees from Rhodes College (B.A.), University of Memphis (J.D.), and Memphis Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and is a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. The Rev. Wells is a member of the Boards of Directors of Metropolitan Inter-faith Association (MIFA) and Church Health Center. She serves the Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee as its secretary, as a member of The Bishop and Council, and as Chaplain to the Episcopal Church Women. She has previously served on the Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s Episcopal School, the Alumni Executive Board of Rhodes College, and the Boards of Directors of the Margaret Hyde Council of Rhodes College and of Memphis Area Legal Services, Inc. She has been recognized by Rhodes College as a Distinguished Alumna in 2011, and as the recipient of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan award for service in 2015.
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Rev. Wells and her husband, Herb, recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, and they are the parents of two daughters, Catherine Alexis, a senior at University of Miami, and Meredith Nicole, a freshman at the University of Chicago. Every woman who is a member of Germantown United Methodist Church is a member of the United Methodist Women even if you are not a member of a Circle (small group). However, any of the Circles would welcome you. If you wish to join a Circle and would like information, please contact Anna Graunke, annagke@comcast.net or Yolanda Toney, ytoney@germantownumc.org.
TO SIGN UP FOR GUMW’S EMAIL LIST, GO TO GERMANTOWNUMC.ORG/EMAIL
United Methodist Women
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ...” - 2 Peter 3:18
Spring Bridge Benefit & Unique Boutique Tuesday | April 12 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | OLEC Germantown United Methodist Women will sponsor their 2016 Spring Benefit and Games. All proceeds from this event will benefit GUMW missions. In addition to the games, you will enjoy a gourmet lunch, door prizes and shopping at the popular “Unique Boutique.” Please note that if you are not a bridge player, you may play any board or card game you prefer as long as you bring your own game supplies. Registration forms are available at the Welcome Center, the OLEC, or at germantownumc.org. Reservations must be received by Tuesday, April 5. For more information about the Spring Benefit, contact Alice McMurray at 754-0605 or Pat Gill at 756-8151. Come early at 9 a.m. and shop at the Unique Boutique. There will be a special holiday table with Christmas and Easter decorations included. Remember, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
One man's trash is another man's treasure. 13
Older Adult Ministry Memphis the Musical!
Friday, May 6 Playhouse on the Square
XYZs Go to Opening Night of Memphis
WHERE: Playhouse on the Square
Memphis is a Tony award-winning musical that is loosely based on the story of Memphis disc jockey Dewey Phillips, one of the first white DJs to play 'black' music in the 50’s. The incredible story of the two main characters, Huey and Felicia, takes them to the ends of the airwaves on a journey filled with laughter, emotion, and a whole lot of Memphis soul. This show promises a rambunctious good time highlighted by rousing music and singing, spectacular dancing, and a witty, moving story. Join us for a fun-filled evening and the opening night reception after the performance.
COST: $22 per person includes reserved seat and opening night reception.
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WHEN: Friday, May 6.
DEPARTURE: 6:45 p.m. from OLEC parking lot. Please be there by 6:30 p.m. RESERVATIONS: Call Nancy Arnold, 754-6326, Gretchen Blair, 755-0797, or Luci Cromer, 755-0803. You must make your reservation before paying. DEADLINE: For money and reservations is Friday, April 8.
Older Adult Ministry
Don’t Forget April BBL!
June Redbirds Game! 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. Please invite your Sunday School class, friends, family, and neighbors to come. WHERE: AutoZone Park, Memphis Redbirds play the New Orleans Zephyrs.
Bob Barnett will share stories and secrets of Elmwood at the April Brown Bag Lunch! Elmwood is the most historic ground in this part of the world. The dramatic Entry Bridge, the Carpenter-Gothic Cottage, and the entire 80-acre cemetery are all on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is also an official Bird Sanctuary and Arboretum. Elmwood is the final resting place of those who created Memphis history and has emerged today as Memphis’ finest and oldest active cemetery. Bob Barnett, the assistant director, is going to share its stories, secrets, and the hidden treasures of its historic cottage at the April 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: “What Lies Beneath: Stories and Secrets of Elmwood”
WHEN: Thursday night, June 2.
SPEAKER: Bob Barnett, Assistant Director, Elmwood Cemetery
COST: $15 per person, includes ticket, baseball cap, & transportation. Dinner is on your own.
WHERE: Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall
DEPARTURE: 6 p.m. from the OLEC parking lot, 2323 West Street. Please be there by 5:45 p.m. RESERVATIONS: Call Nancy Arnold, 754-6326, Gretchen Blair, 755-0797, or Luci Cromer, 755-0803. You must make your reservation before paying. DEADLINE: For money and reservations is Friday, May 6.
WHEN: April 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.
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Older Adult Ministry May Brown Bag Lunch Local Columnist Dan Conaway Will Share Memphis Stories at the May Brown Bag Lunch! Friday | May 6 11 a.m. | Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall A lifelong Memphian, Dan Conaway is a communication strategist and freelance writer. He has owned everything from ad agencies to creative boutiques and promoted everything from ducks in The Peabody to Grizzlies in the MBA and pandas at the zoo. Along the way, he has never lost his fascination or his frustration for his storied hometown, and he shares his passion for both equally in his columns and posts. His column, Memphasis, is published weekly in The Memphis
Daily News and in The Memphis News. Come hear some of his stories at the May 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: “I’m a Memphian: Character References for a City.” SPEAKER: Dan Conaway, Author, Columnist, Consultant WHERE: Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall WHEN: May 6. Program starts at 11 a.m.; lunch is at noon. COST: FREE—the church will supply beverages RESERVATIONS: No reservations 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.
Adult Education Methodist Traditions/Beliefs May 4 & 11 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Room 342 Join Rev. Richard 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 online for the class or call Mary Groh.
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OLEC Spring Soccer games begin April 1 & end May 14.
OLEC Staff Changes After 10 years of dedicated service to GUMC, Patrick Peavy will be stepping down as Assistant Recreation Director. Todd Hinton (pictured), one of our current instructors and personal trainers, will assume that role beginning in April. Todd brings many years of expertise in the sports and fitness arena to GUMC’s Health and Recreation Ministry. Todd Hinton joined the OLEC in 2005 as a personal trainer and soon after started the famous Strength and Conditioning Boot Camp held each Monday at 9 a.m. He also teaches Power Spin and Strength on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 p.m. While Todd has been a familiar face for many years, please stop by the OLEC and welcome him to our full-time staff.
Summer Sports Camps Marks your calendars for our June/July Summer Sports Camps! Dates are June 20-25 and July 25-29. Camp hours are 9 a.m.-2 p.m. We’ll play baseball, basketball, football, soccer, and many other fun games. The fee is $100. Lunch included. T-Ball Registration is open now through May 9. The fee is $70 per player. Games are Thursday nights at 5:30 p.m., May 26-June 30.
Saturday Morning Zumba New instructor Jessica Walters will be teaching a 9:30 a.m. Zumba class on Saturday mornings beginning April 2. “I began taking Zumba® Fitness classes two years ago and immediately fell in love with the international music and the easy-to-learn moves. I want all my Zumba students to be successful and get the most out of their workout, so I always try to make the moves in my routines simple, easy to learn, and FUN! My classes are usually a mixture of Latin and Caribbean rhythms, but I also include American Pop, 80s songs, or contemporary Christian songs in most of my playlists.”
Beginning Tai Chi Beginner Tai Chi (Level 1) classes led by Michael Coplon will be held each Monday and Wednesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. beginning April 4.
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Youth
Senior Sunday 2016 On Sunday, May 1, we will honor all of our 2016 graduating seniors in all three worship services. We hope that each family will join us in one of our worship services as well as join us for a luncheon immediately following the 11 a.m. service. Each senior family should have received a packet in the mail with all of the information needed for Senior Sunday as well as information about the festivities. If you did not receive a packet, please contact Sue Hyland for all senior details, questions, or concerns at shyland@germantownumc.org. We will not be receiving any packet information late this year so please make sure all senior info for the bulletin as well as the banquet is turned in no later than April 1. To register for the banquet please head over to our church website germantownumc.org. We cannot wait to celebrate this time with each family!
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Youth Summer Missions 2015 This summer we will be going on THREE trips! Each trip is different and each trip provides an amazing opportunity for growing in your faith and in service to others. Please check out the short blurb about each trip below. Registration is open NOW and final balances are due by April 1. Don’t miss out! Mountain T.O.P. | June 12-18 Mountain T.O.P. is a rural home repair ministry based out of Grundy County in East TN. During your week at M.T.O.P., you will be serving in a number of ways. This trip offers experiences with yard work, painting, building porches, and day camp opportunities with children that live in Grundy County. You will also have the chance to worship with your church group and form relationships with other students from around the U.S. If you love to meet new people this trip is for you! M.T.O.P. is open to completed 7th-12th graders. Big Stuf | June 27-July 1 Big Stuf is our annual beach retreat. This will be our second year to go and last year was out of this world! If you’re interested in making a deeper connection with Jesus and your youth group, this is the retreat for you. On this trip, you can expect lots of worship time, youth group bonding time, and beach time. This is the perfect trip if you’re new to our group or the faith! Big Stuf is open to completed 6th through 12th graders. S.O.S. | July 24-29 S.O.S. is our local mission experience in the summer. Although we know how important it is to serve in other places, we also see a great need here in our own city! During this trip we will do urban home repair as well as explore some extra special Memphis places. This trip is perfect for anyone who wants to grow closer to Christ, their youth group, and their city! S.O.S. is open to completed 6th through 12th graders.
Discovery Weekend 2016 Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! The Youth Ministry team would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every person that was involved with Discovery Weekend this year. 125 students attended the weekend as well as 17 adult small group leaders. Throughout the weekend we worked with over 100 volunteers. These volunteers did jobs from labeling T-shirts, to providing snacks and meals, to numerous other cleanup jobs.
Discovery Weekend would not happen all of these dedicated volunteers. We are amazed and humbled at our church’s continued support and prayers for this ministry and all of the amazing families that we get to serve. Thanks again!
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Youth Should You Volunteer? Absolutely! Below you will find a talk written by one of our youth parents and adult volunteers. This talk was given during Discovery Weekend at our Prayer Service. If you have ever thought about volunteering in any capacity at our church, we hope this pulls at your heart strings and moves you like it did each of us during Discovery Weekend!!
“Parent Talk” | Discovery 2016 | Chip Grimm Good evening, my name is Chip Grimm. My wife, Alison, and daughter, Elizabeth, have been members at GUMC for 10 years. I am an adult volunteer for Element on Sunday nights. This is my third year to be involved with the youth group. 7th grade boys are who I have and they are great guys to work with. I have participated in one Crave retreat and this is my third Discovery Weekend. My first year, I was an overnight leader with 7th grade boys. What an experience that was, to say the least. With that said, I want to thank all of the adult volunteers that are participating this weekend and the ones that volunteer throughout the year. It takes an army to support our youth, and each and every one of you are greatly appreciated. My 10th grade daughter became involved with the youth group when she was in the 7th grade. That first year, I was not involved with the youth group. I did take her and pick her up each week and I observed her excitement on the way there. I also observed everyone’s excitement as they left when I picked her up. The next year, I became
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involved in a few ways. I went on a Redbirds outing, a canoe trip to the Buffalo River, and an overnight leader at Discovery. At some point, two years ago, I was asked to become a full-time adult volunteer for Element. I quickly thought to myself, does Elizabeth want this? I knew that answer and she validated that answer when I asked her. Absolutely, was her answer! Elizabeth is my only child, and we are super close. I am so thankful. I am also thankful for the many close friends that have developed for her, here in our youth group. These friends share the same passion for Christ that she has. I am amazed at the well-rounded person that Elizabeth has become. She is involved with Best Buddies at Houston High School. She takes her buddy bowling, to movies, to school plays, and out to eat. She is also on the SGA Executive Board. Her involvement here in our church youth group has laid the foundation for these items that are occurring in her life now. continued...
Youth
A highlight for me occurred at Crave last November. As adult leaders, we served Communion to our youth. Serving Communion to my daughter at Crave was one of the most spiritually moving moments of my entire life. Now to shift gears, I want to explain how my relationship with Elizabeth has been further shaped by me volunteering. For starters, it has taken it to a whole other level. Before volunteering, it was already fantastic, but now we get to have discussions about our times at church together. We discuss how Element went, we discuss what we learned each night, and I lean on her on how I can become a better adult leader. In a fabulous way, we grow together. This morning, Jacob Pierce gave a “Parents Talk” in front of our youth group. Wow, Jacob! What a fabulous talk you gave. I can tell that you have an honest and open relationship with your parents. That just doesn’t automatically happen. It shows that all of you have made that a priority in your lives. I have stood alongside your mom, Lisa, for a couple of years now in our youth group. You are a fortunate young man to have her in your life and I am personally thankful to serve next to her in our youth group. A treasured part of mine, in volunteering, is the relationship formed with all of our youth. It’s like a time warp in a way, for me. I can envision where I was 30 years ago at this time in my life. I remember my church youth adult leaders like it was yesterday. They had a huge impact on my life and where I am today. This is my opportunity to give back to these students on what was given to me. My personal faith in God has a renewed sense of energy because of being around our youth, our youth leaders, and fellow adult volunteers. It is powerful. It brings many positive emotions to me that help my faith become stronger. These youth sitting here before us tonight are: brave, positive, and faithful examples to me. The talks we have heard, the discussions we have had, and
the speakers that have spoken this weekend have all been amazing. God’s presence is firmly with us. Each time that I have the privilege of being around our youth, it brightens my outlook on life. They all bring happiness and excitement to any room they enter. That instantly makes me happy regardless of what might be going on in my life at that particular time. Their positive attitudes are contagious and I have become a better person because of them. I want each one of our youth to know that. You have had a positive impact on my life and I thank you. continued...
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Youth As I’ve shared my story tonight, some of you may be asking yourself, is volunteering something that I want to do? Is it something that my child or children would support me on doing? I challenge each youth to let your parents know, that you absolutely support them and would welcome them to be an adult volunteer. Growing up, my mom and dad had a huge impact on me. They volunteered at church and my dad coached some of my sports teams. They laid the groundwork for me on what it means to have parents involved in life. I am so thankful for what they did for me. By being in our youth group now, I am returning the favor on what my parents showed to me. When I leave an Element or a youth retreat, I feel like a youth
again. I get so much satisfaction by being around these kids. I am so glad that God led me into this role. I can’t begin to fully explain how volunteering would make such a huge impact on your life. It’s on another level. Each adult in here tonight has a story to tell. These youth love hearing our stories and the positive advice that we have to offer. In closing, I am thankful for tonight and everyone that is here. We are blessed to have Sue and Brian as our youth leaders. Thank you for your endless efforts and the love that you show to each of us. God, please watch over us tonight, as we pray for each one of our youth. And, bless us all. Amen.
United Methodist Men April UMM Breakfast Rev. Tim Carpenter April 9 | 8 a.m. Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall Rev. Carpenter is the son of Douglas and Mary Carpenter of Germantown UMC, and was a member of the church from 1970-1986. He began serving as the Asbury District Superintendent in 2014, and is projected to be the METRO Superintendent upon the merger of the Asbury and McKendree Districts in June 2016.
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Tim previously served as pastor of Poplar Grove UMC in Drummonds, TN (1993-1995), as Associate Pastor of First UMC in Jackson, TN (1995-2000); as Pastor of First UMC in Bolivar, TN (2000-2007); and Pastor of First UMC in Covington, TN (2007-2014). Tim has been married to Dawn since 1988, and they have two sons, Jordan (20) and Ethan (18). He is a graduate of Germantown High School (1984), the University of Florida (B.A. Political Science, 1988), and Memphis Theological Seminary (MDiv., Magna Cum Laude, 1993). He has co-authored two books, Children’s Sermons A-Z and The Big Influence of Small Things. The cost for the breakfast is $5, payable at the door. Register by calling the church office at 754-7216. Annual members need only call in their regrets.
The Middle
Upcoming Spring Events Guys Night Out Monday | April 4 | 7 p.m. SkyBox Grill (2140 Poplar Ave, Collierville) Come cheer on your favorite Final-Four NCAA basketball team – no registration required. Contact Derrick McNeal at mcneadr10@yahoo. com for questions. The Middle Lunch Sunday | May 1 | 12 p.m. Join us after church for a free lunch for you and your family. Check the News and Events section of the bulletin for more details.
Recap: Table for 8 The Middle kicked off 2016 with Table for 8 on March 5. Forty-seven adults registered to participate in Table for 8 with the Middle. Participants were assigned to a local restaurant to fellowship with friends and meet new people. A special thank you to Kristin Dickerson and the GUMC childcare team for taking care of our children!
Save the Date! Fall Kick Off Dinner - August 27 Join us for our second annual Fall Kick Off Dinner. More information coming soon!
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Special Events
Adult Education
GUMC Hosts Nashville-Based Storyteller to Kick Off Faith Seeking Understanding Speaker Series GUMC launches its Faith Seeking Understanding series April 15-17 featuring Rev. Michael E. Williams, senior pastor at West End United Methodist Church in Nashville and guest speaker at regional, national and international events. Williams, the author of numerous articles, stories, poems, plays and books, serves as general editor of The Storyteller’s Companion to the Bible series from Abingdon Press and has been a featured storyteller at the National Storytelling Festival. Williams brings his scholarship and craft to GUMC in the form of a weekend experience entitled “Storytelling as Spiritual Adventure.” The series begins on Friday night with dinner and a lecture. A seminar takes place on Saturday morning, and Williams closes the weekend by sharing his insights in a sermon to all three Sunday morning worship services. All of the events are open to the public. The Friday night dinner is the only event that requires advanced registration and is not free of charge. Tickets to the dinner are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Rev. Richard Smith said, “John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, believed strongly that a mature faith embodies both the fundamentals of Christian doctrine and deep reflection on those beliefs. In other words, Wesley reminded us that God gave us the gift of reason and intellect so that we could have deeper understanding and application of our
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beliefs than otherwise would be the case. These special offerings in this series are grand opportunities to both strengthen our faith and deepen our understanding as mature believers.” The series of events are as follows: Friday | April 15 - Dinner will be served in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall from 6-7 p.m. The cost for dinner is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Space is limited, so registration is required by Tuesday, April 12 at 5 p.m. Friday | April 15 - Williams will speak in the sanctuary from 7-8:30 p.m. The title of his talk is “Everybody has a Story.” There is no charge for this event, and registration is not required unless childcare is needed. Saturday | April 16 - Williams will speak Saturday morning from 9-10:30 a.m. in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall. The title of his seminar is “Living between Two Stories.” There is no charge for this event, and registration is not required unless childcare is needed. From 2 to 4 p.m. there will be an Afternoon Workshop: “To Tell the New/ Old Story.”This workshop will help preachers and teachers enhance their storytelling skills, especially as they are employed in the retelling of Bible stories. There is NO childcare available. Sunday | April 17 - Williams will preach during the 8:30, 9:40 & 11 a.m. worship services. The title of his sermon is “Do you Know Me? Do You Love Me?” Childcare is available. The 2016 installment of the Faith Seeking Understanding series is sponsored through a grant from our Endowment. For more information about the series, please visit germantownumc.org/FSU.
April Events April 1-2
April 17-23
Friday, April 1 11:00 a.m. - Older Adults Brown Bag Lunch Series
Sunday, April 17 8:30, 9:40 & 11:00 a.m. - Worship Services 6:00 p.m. - Element Tuesday, April 19 6:30 a.m. - Sonrise Men’s Prayer Group 11:00 a.m. - Jillian Michaels BodyShred™
April 3-9 Sunday, April 3 8:30, 9:40 & 11:00 a.m. - Worship Services 6:00 p.m. - Element Tuesday, April 5 6:30 a.m. - Sonrise Men’s Group 11:00 a.m. - Jillian Michaels BodyShred™ Wednesday, April 6 6:30 a.m. - Rutherford’s Men’s Prayer Group 6:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir Rehearsal Thursday, April 7 9:00 a.m. - Jillian Michaels BodyShred™ Saturday, April 9 8:00 a.m. - UMM Breakfast
April 10-16 Sunday, April 10 8:30, 9:40 & 11:00 a.m. - Worship Services 6:00 p.m. - Element Monday, April 11 6:00 p.m. - Church-wide Meeting Night Tuesday, April 12 6:30 a.m. - Sonrise Men’s Group 11:00 a.m. - Jillian Michaels BodyShred™
Wednesday, April 20 6:30 a.m. - Rutherford’s Men’s Prayer Group 6:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir Rehearsal Thursday, April 21 9:00 a.m. - Jillian Michaels BodyShred™ 7:00 p.m. - Maundy Thursday Worship
April 24-30 Sunday, April 24 8:30, 9:40 & 11:00 a.m. - Worship Services 6:00 p.m. - Element Tuesday, April 26 6:30 a.m. - Sonrise Men’s Group 11:00 a.m. - Jillian Michaels BodyShred™ Wednesday, April 27 6:30 a.m. - Rutherford’s Men’s Prayer Group 6:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir Rehearsal Thursday, March 28 9:00 a.m. - Jillian Michaels BodyShred™ Saturday, April 30 5:00 p.m. - Daddy Craw’s Jubilee
Wednesday, April 13 6:30 a.m. - Rutherford’s Men’s Prayer Group 6:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir Rehearsal Thursday, April 14 9:00 a.m. - Jillian Michaels BodyShred™
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GERMANTOWN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2331 South Germantown Rd, Germantown, TN 38138 Phone: (901) 754-7216 • Fax: (901) 753-3112 • info@germantownumc.org Sunday Worship: 8:30, 9:40, & 11 a.m.