The
Tidings GERMANTOWN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
May 2016
Table of Contents 4-5 GUMC Life 6
Missions
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Children
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UMW
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Youth / UMM
10-11
Older Adults
12-13
Adult Education
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Preschool
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The Middle / OLEC
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Events in May
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 May 23. All church members are encouraged to attend.
from Richard May Sermons May 1 “What Can We Say About Prayer” Mark 1:35-37; Philippians 4:6-7 May 8 “On Being a Happy and Healthy Family” I Corinthians 13 May 15 (Pentecost) “On Following Jesus” John 15:9-17 May 22 Rev. Boatright and Rev. Dr. Gabriel May 29 “The Power of Memory” Deuteronomy 4:7-14
MARK YOUR CALENDARS Church offices and the OLEC will be closed on May 30 in observation of Memorial Day.
This month there are some key experiences of which we need to be aware. First, the General Conference of our United Methodist Church is May 10-20 in Portland, Oregon. This is the quadrennial meeting of our denomination when our doctrinal positions, our ethical perspectives, our denominational budget, and our ministrymission priorities are set for 2017-2020. We will keep you posted of key decisions made. On May 15, we celebrate Confirmation Sunday and receive our 2016 class of sixth graders. Sue Hyland and Brian Richards, along with many adult volunteers, have done a masterful job of preparing these young people to publicly commit to Jesus and to step up in their desire to follow him. May 15 is also Pentecost Sunday when we recollect the Holy Spirit coming on those early followers and empowering them to launch Christ’s Church in the world. Also, please read the information in this Tidings regarding Ryan Boatright’s new pastoral appointment and our new Associate to be, Erin Beasley.
Welcome New Members!
Dan and Patty Bullock and Lee Kairns (March 13, 2016)
Margie Taylor (March 13, 2016)
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GUMC Life
Maintaining a Healthy Brain Susan Crowson Returns to Speak Susan Crowson, Program Director for the Baptist Memory Care Center, is returning by popular request to speak about living a lifestyle that maximizes optimum brain health. She will speak in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall on May 22 at 11 a.m. Susan has over 10 years of experience specializing in memory diseases and has developed systematic approaches to recognizing and identifying loss and behaviors due to dementia. She has provided testimony for the National Alzheimer’s Advisory Council in Washington, D.C., and has been a guest speaker for conferences and events for the Alzheimer’s Association. Prior to helping open the Memory Care Center, Susan was the Director of Programs and Advocacy for the Alzheimer’s Association Mid-South Chapter. Susan is an engaging speaker and will touch on the topics of recognizing dementia and cognitive problems and dealing with associated behaviors, but her primary focus will be on maintaining a healthy brain. With the ever increasing incidence of cognitive decline among friends and family members, this is a program you will not want to miss. Contact Beverly Rhoads at 758-6513 or brhoads@germantownumc.org for more information.
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Germantown United Methodist Music Ministry Presents
The Matins Bell Choir and Brass Ensemble in Concert May 22 at 5:00 PM in the Church Sanctuary A variety of music for brass ensemble and bell choir will be presented including a thrilling arrangement of “America the Beautiful” and the world premiere of “Fantasy on Engelberg,” commissioned by GUMC in honor of Eva McPeter’s 25th anniversary as organist and music assistant. This would be an excellent time to invite friends and neighbors to experience music at Germantown United Methodist. The concert has no admission charge and all, of course, are welcome.
GUMC Life Change of Pastoral Roles On June 28 With Appreciation, Thank You Ryan We deeply appreciate the ministry work Ryan Boatright has brought to us these three years as our Associate Pastor. He has faithfully facilitated our Missions Ministry Team, our Stephen Ministry group, our Prayer and Spiritual Formation Team, and our Young Adults Council. In each of these areas he has helped Christ’s witness through GUMC faithfully and effectively. Then there is Ryan’s extremely compassionate, caring, and helpful ministry as our primary pastoral care pastor. Not a week goes by that we do not have someone commend Ryan to us with words of deep admiration for his caring attention to those who are going through real challenges in life – illness, life transition, aging, impending death, and death. He has truly been a vessel of Christ’s loving touch and healing spirit in hospital rooms, homes, care facilities, and nursing homes. Each and every place, each and every time, someone has been blessed by his presence and his heart. We correspondingly will miss Cathy, Zoe, and Zaida; and, of course, newborn to be Zara Jean. They, too, have been a part of us and our church family. Zoe and Zaida’s bright smiles, joyful spirits, and desire to grow in knowing Jesus have touched us all. Ryan, Cathy, Zoe, Zaida, Zara Jean, God be with you! Your new church in Savannah, Tennessee will be blessed to have you as their pastor and pastor’s family! Please know that you will remain always in our thoughts and prayers.
With Anticipation, Welcome Erin Beasley Correspondingly, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Erin Beasley as our new Associate Pastor. Erin has served the last two years as Associate Pastor of Heartsong UMC in the Cordova area and is officially a member of the Mississippi Conference. Erin is a graduate of Millsaps College in Mississippi (BBA) and Emory University, Candler School of Theology (Master of Divinity, 2014). She is a product of the Mississippi Annual Conference, but began serving here in the Memphis Conference in 2014 as Associate Pastor at Heartsong. Erin brings a heart for pastoral care, a heart for missions outreach and for compassionate ministries, a giftedness in music, experience in ministries with youth and younger adults, and a desire to be a part of vital ministry teams such as we have here at GUMC. She also has experience in multicultural situations, creative worship, and newcomer-assimilation ministries. We look forward to Erin’s ministry with us as one of our pastors here at GUMC!
Richard Smith Senior Pastor
Mrs. Sharon Cornelius
Chairperson, Staff-Parish Committee
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Missions Your Apportionment Dollars How does UMCOR help during repeat disasters? (from www.umcor.org)
December 8, 2015—In Navarro County, Texas, where there was little history of disaster, residents experienced their third round of storms and flooding. In May, October, and November, central Texas bore the brunt of bad weather that has left not only physical damage but frustration among residents who are wondering when the rain will stop. Navarro County is just one of many counties across Texas and Oklahoma that have experienced flooding, tornadoes, and straight-line winds. At the end of November, a presidential disaster declaration made federal assistance available to eligible individuals and business owners in 15 Texas counties. Although the declaration was a piece of good news, residents are feeling the effects of multiple disasters, said Laraine Waughtal, disaster response coordinator for the Central Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church. “Many are starting all over again,” she said. “They are frustrated.” Trained Early Response Teams were an important part of response, completing muck-outs and tarping roofs, said Waughtal. The United Methodist Church has been one of the largest organizations—along with the American Red Cross—to respond, she added. Waughtal urged people to contribute to a recovery that will likely take years. “Resources are running out and agencies are running out of money because of the widespread flooding across the state,” she said. Long-term recovery is just beginning, and volunteer teams will be needed in central Texas for months to come, said Waughtal.
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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 best-decorated table. Also a silent auction, featuring a beach house for a week on 30A near Destin. Questions? Ed Clark (901) 826-3514 or Dr. Hillebert (901) 755-5962.
With support from the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), long-term recovery will bring a sense of new normalcy back to Texas, she said. “We have also been blessed with a generous gift from the Louisiana Conference in support of our recovery and also out of gratitude when we have sent them money helping them after the storms. The connectional system is wonderful!” Repeat disasters are difficult both in terms of physical damage and psychological toll, said Greg Forrester, UMCOR executive in charge of U.S. Disaster Response. “Three disasters in five months —flooding, tornadoes, flooding once again. It’s not only one community—it’s multiple communities in that region,” he said, “and we are finding that many residents were severely underinsured or had no flood insurance.” United Methodists across the country are able to assist those severely impacted from these and similar weather related disasters through our apportionment giving.
Children
Vacation Bible School 2016: Frequently Asked Questions When is VBS? Weekday VBS: June 6-10 from 9 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Weeknight VBS: June 1-3 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. This VBS is designed specifically for those who are not available to come during the day. How do I register? Registration is open online at germantownumc.org (or contact Sherrell at 754-7216 x136). When is the registration deadline? May 29, 2016. Pre-registration is required. 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.) What is the theme? “Cave Quest” 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 through Jesus, we have hope, courage, direction, and most importantly - love! With Jesus as our light, we will trek into some crazy caves with singing, dancing, crafting, playing, and making new friends.
What ages are involved in VBS? All children ages 4 (by August 15, 2016) 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, 2012. 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 (youth or adult), go online to www.germantownumc.org or contact a Children’s Ministry Director. Questions? Call Lisa Pierce, 758-6512, or email lpierce@ germantownumc.org.
Visit www.germantownumc.org/vbs to sign up or volunteer. 7
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
Youth Congratulations! May is a special month for all of our youth and their families. On May 1 we celebrate all of our graduating seniors in all three worship services in addition to a banquet for them and their families. What a beautiful gift for us to be able to celebrate with each family and share in such a special time of transition and new beginnings.
Memphis Madness! Do you love Memphis? Do you love summer?? Do you love exploring your favorite city on the first day of summer??! Great! Us too! Join us on Friday, May 27 as we explore the lovely city that is Memphis, TN. We’ll explore Overton Park and Square and Downtown. We’ll hit all the best food spots and murals! Don’t miss out on a fun afternoon and evening with your friends! Sign-up online now!
On May 15 we will celebrate our current Confirmation class with our Confirmation worship services as well as a banquet for them. As their nine month journey comes to an end, we love reflecting on what each of them have learned and experienced through Confirmation. Both of these groups have worked so incredibly hard to graduate high school and to begin a new and exciting faith journey. We are so proud of each of you and cannot wait to continue on this beautiful journey with each of you! If you have questions about our College or Confirmation ministry please do not hesitate to contact us!
United Methodist Men May Breakfast Youth leaders Sue Hyland and Brian Richards will be our special guests at our May 14 breakfast at 8 a.m. in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall. They will be discussing summer missions for our youth that includes Mountain T.O.P., Big Stuf and SOS. Cost of the breakfast is $5 payable at the door. Register by calling the church office at 754-7216. Annual memberships will be renewed ($50). 9
Older Adult Ministry
AARP Smart Driver™ Course Germantown United Methodist Church and AARP will present the “AARP Smart Driver™ Course”, the nation’s largest driving refresher course. This 8-hour course is scheduled for July 14 & 15, 2016 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Successful completion entitles participants to a discount on their auto insurance premiums for three years. There is no driving test or written exam. Register early because the class will be closed at 28 participants. The results of taking these classes have been proven—class participants have few accidents and tickets. WHERE: Room 339 (Fellowship Forum classroom) in the Ministry Center. WHEN: Thursday and Friday, July 14 & 15, 2016, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. COST: $15 fee for AARP members ($20 for nonmembers) payable to AARP RESERVATIONS: Call Jan Cameron at 366-2772 DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS: Reservations will be taken until class is full. The objectives of the course are to help you: • Be independent, safe, and confident while on the road • Keep up with changes so you don’t put yourself and others at risk • Learn state-specific information throughout the course • Focus on areas such as roundabouts, pavement markings, stop-sign compliance, red-light running, and safety issues such as speeding and seatbelt and turn-signal use Check your calendar and register now. Your check is your ticket to this class. 10
Don’t Forget the May Brown Bag Lunch! Dan Conaway, author, columnist, and consultant, will tell us some of his stories, “I’m a Memphian: Character References for a City.” This presentation will be Friday, May 6, 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.
Handy Helpers
Our Handy Helpers are waiting for your call… Spring has sprung, and the Handy Helpers ministry team is waiting to hear from you. If you are a GUMC member over 60 years of age, have a hard time physically keeping up with minor home repairs or maintenance because you are ill or incapacitated, and have homeowner’s liability insurance, there is a group of volunteers ready to assist you. Services are provided without labor charges, but the cost of the materials used is to be paid by the person receiving the service. Handy Helpers can do light carpentry, plumbing, electrical repairs, routine outdoor maintenance, and computer trouble-shooting. To put in a job request, please contact the Handy Helpers Coordinator, Charles Waters, at 758-2425.
Older Adult Ministry June Redbirds Game 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. Please invite your Sunday School class, friends, family, and neighbors to come.
WHERE: AutoZone Park, Memphis Redbirds play the New Orleans Zephyrs. WHEN: Thursday night, June 2. COST: $15 per person, includes ticket, baseball cap, & transportation. Dinner is on your own. 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, 7550803. You must make your reservation before paying. DEADLINE FOR MONEY and RESERVATIONS: Friday, May 6.
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Adult Education Coming in June
Summer Bible Study for Women!
Monday Monthly Book Club We have chosen our books for the remainder of 2016! There is no need to register, just purchase the book (or check out from the library) and join us at 10:30 a.m. in Room 338 for a lively discussion! May 23 Where’d You Go Bernadette . . . . . . . . Maria Semple June 27 The Remains of the Day . . . . . . . . . . . Kazuo Ishiguro July 25 Reconstructing Amelia . . . . . . . Kimberly McCreight August 22 A Tree Grows in Brooklyn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Betty Smith September 26 The Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Richard Paul Evans October 24 The Orphan Master’s Son . . . . . . . . . . Adam Johnson November 28 The Bookseller of Kabul . . . . . . . . . . . Asne Seierstad
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Breath—The Life of God In Us Wednesdays, June 22-July 27, 9:45-11:45 a.m. Facilitated by Chesley Porteous chesleyporteous@gmail.com or 268-4884 This six-week, DVD-based study by Beth Moore, examines the work and the power of the Holy Spirit, spotlighting places in Scripture where the Spirit of God enlightens the lives of people, empowering and invigorating them. This study will encourage you too, to stop, breathe, and experience all that the Holy Spirit is meant to be in every Christian’s life. Childcare is available by reservation. Cost for the study is $15.
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.
Adult Education Sunday School: What’s It All About? It may surprise you to know that the Sunday School, as we know it, is a relatively new thing. Sunday School had its beginning in England around 1780 and moved to America around 1800. At first, many churches rejected Sunday School because it emphasized “lay” leadership and teachers. Many ministers rejected it because they believed that only “trained theologians” should teach. Eventually, however, Sunday School became popular and was adopted by most protestant denominations.
In a large church such as GUMC, a Sunday School class offers a great opportunity to develop friendships and enjoy Christian community. Sunday School provides a convenient means of regular gathering with others and an opportunity to study the Christian faith. Our adult Sunday morning program includes a variety of regular classes at both 9:40 and 11:00 in a wide range of sizes, formats and content. Leadership is drawn from among church staff, church members, and professional guests.
SUNDAY SCHOOL is for all age groups. It takes several ministries to accomplish what Sunday school can do.
From singles and couples to college age through retirement, Germantown United Methodist Church has many opportunities for study and fellowship in our adult Sunday School program. Please check our website for class information or pick up a brochure at one of our kiosks. If you would like more information about finding a Sunday School class, contact Mary Groh at 7545093 or mgroh@germantownumc.org.
- Sunday school is a REACHING arm of the church - Sunday school is a TEACHING arm of the church - Sunday school is a CARING arm of the church - Sunday school is an EVANGELIZING arm of the church
Germantown United Methodist Preschool We Have Wonderful News! We are proud of GUMP’s recognized service to children and families by announcing our continued THREE STAR rating, the highest rating attainable by the state of Tennessee. Teachers and administration work diligently to provide a wonderfully enriched environment for children, lovingly implementing our mission statement and following the detailed standards from the state of Tennessee.
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The Middle Ice Cream Social Join the Middle for a free ice cream social on Saturday, June 11 at 10:30 a.m. at McVay Gardens (behind the OLEC). Adults and children are invited. Please be advised, the event will be canceled in the event of rain. Contact Natalie Cathcart at cathcarn@gmail.com for more information.
Save the Date! Fall Kick Off Dinner - August 27. Join us for our second annual Fall Kick Off Dinner. More info coming soon!
Health & Recreation Summer Sports Camps Register now for our June and July Summer Sports Camps for ages completed senior kindergarten through rising 5th graders. Dates are June 20-25 and July 25-29. Camp hours are 9 a.m.—2 p.m. The $100 fee includes lunch and T-shirt. Register now through May 29 for the June Camp and June 26 for the July camp. Space is limited. For more information contact Todd Hinton at thinton@germantownumc.org.
May Massage Therapy Special
In honor of Mother’s Day, our licensed massage therapist, Carol, is offering a one-hour massage for only $45! Schedule your appointment by calling her at 292-5913. Gift certificates are available for purchase at the OLEC or by calling Carol directly. 14
Lauren Wright Hobbs Nursing Scholarship A scholarship has been established through GUMC 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.
Happening in May
MAY 1
Senior Sunday MAY 7
Kenya Mission Team Trivia Night MAY 10-20
General Conference MAY 10
UMW Luncheon MAY 14
UMM Breakfast MAY 15
Confirmation Sunday MAY 22
Susan Crowson: “Maintaining a Healthy Brain” MAY 22
Matins Bell Choir & Brass Ensemble in Concert
FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF THIS MONTH’S EVENTS AND THE MOST UP-TO-DATE MINISTRY CALENDARS:
www.germantownumc.org/events
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