The Tidings - June 2016 by Germantown UMC

The

Tidings GERMANTOWN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

June 2016

Table of Contents 4-5 GUMC Life 6

GUMP

Connect College

UMW

8-9 Older Adults 10-11

Adult Education

The Middle

Health & Recreation

13-15

Special 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

June Sermons June 5 “The Gift of Friendship” Proverbs 17:17; I Corinthians 13:4-7 June 12 Rev. Ryan Boatright June 19 Rev. Dr. Brad Gabriel “For Love’s Sake” Luke 8:26-39 June 26 “When Christians Make Touch Decisions” Philippians 4:4-9

Highlighting Prayer Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! That calls us from a world of care, And bids me at my Father’s throne Make all my wants and wishes known.

from Richard It seems like every month here at GUMC brings extensive happenings in ministry and mission and opportunities for connection and for growth. This month there are the VBS morning and evening session, youth mission trips. sports camp at the OLEC, etc. Notable among the many happenings is Rev. Ryan Boatright’s last Sunday preaching with us on June 12 at all three services. A reception will be held at noon for Ryan, his wife Cathy, and Zoe, Zaida, and Zara. Ryan’s last day with us will be June 27. Also, let me mention the three night series Brad Gabriel and I are doing as a follow-up to the May 10-20 General Conference of our United Methodist Church. Info can be found inside. Then, there is the June 25th event at Centenary UMC. Please read inside about our formalized urban, inner-city partnership with Centenary and Dr. Deborah Smith and the most special commemoration event.

In seasons of distress and grief; My soul has often found relief, And oft escaped the tempter’s snare By thy return, sweet hour of prayer! By William W. Walford (1772-1850) The author of this beloved hymn, William Walford, was blind, but lived a very full life. He was a country preacher in a rural English church who used his marvelous memory to deliver his sermons. He memorized a large portion of the Bible and quoted scripture verbatim in preaching. William also composed lines of verse. A visiting friend asked to copy some of his verses and these beautiful words were then published in a newspaper. The words

were later set to music and became one of the most recognized and loved hymns to this day. Are you thinking that no one today has an hour to pray each day? We are too busy. Could we maybe spend a half hour each day? How about 15 minutes? Do we only pray when we have a problem that we want God to fix? Do we remember to give thanks for our bountiful food at each meal? There are so many times during our day that we can praise and thank God for our many blessings and His gift of grace. —Harriet Greenwood

GUMC Life Caring for Their Own

In the early days of our church, the work of tending and repairing the physical building of Germantown United Methodist fell to members. GUMC is returning to yesteryear with church members and groups within the church getting together for raking, mulching, trimming trees, planning flowers, power washing the Trinity Centre and other odd jobs around the church property. Not only do the grounds look better, but sharing a common goal knits members closer together. The first official church work day was Saturday, March 19, but since January, groups such as the Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wednesday morning prayer group, Sonrise, and various adult Sunday School classes have been at work at the McVay property and the main campus. One class tore down and rebuilt a fence near the Adult Education Building. All materials and the labor to keep GUMC beautiful were donated.

GUMC Life

Welcome New Members!

Kate & Kevin Blanton April 24

Molly & Chris Schmidt April 24

Lisa & Scott Thurner April 24

Elizabeth & Josh Perkins May 8

GUMP A Great Year at Germantown United Methodist Preschool GUMP has wrapped up another outstanding school year! Our younger friends ended their year by enjoying a visit from the Petting Farm–it was so fun to feed the sheep, watch the turtle race, brush Lily the Llama, and ride the train! Our older friends performed their spring music program for family and friends, singing songs of wonder and playing instruments to show our rhythm! Our summer office hours are M-Th, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. We wish our families a safe and relaxing summer, and look forward to a new school year beginning August 15. GUMP is excited to introduce a new classroom for Children with Special Needs. “G.R.A.C.E.” (GUMP Recognizes All Can Excel) will begin in August 2016 for the 2016-2017 school year. G.R.A.C.E. will serve children approximately 2-5 years of age identified as have a disability, including developmental delay. Additionally, GUMP is adding before and after care to our day. While maintaining our excellent school day from 9:30-2:30, parents/caregivers who need longer hours can enroll in their choice of before care, after care, or both. Before care hours are 7:30-9:30 a.m. After Care hours are 2:30-5:30 p.m. An enrollment application, with options and fees, can be found on GUMP’s website at www.mygump.org. Families may choose a 2, 3 or 5 day option. If you have any questions or wish to tour our facility, please call the preschool office at 753-3109.

Interested in interning with us this summer? If you have finished your sophomore year and will be in town this summer, we would love to add you to our team. Email Sue, shyland@germantownumc.org, or Brian, brichards@germantownumc.org, for more info! 6

United Methodist Women Mark your calendars Children’s Boutique: (a Children’s Consignment Sale) August 25-27 GUMW Luncheon: September 13

Circles Germantown United Methodist Women (GUMW) is the women’s group at Germantown United Methodist Church. We are women of all ages: women who work, stay at home moms, empty nesters, and women who are retired and starting a new phase of life. We encourage one another to grow spiritually, to engage in service, to develop our gifts and talents, and to use them for the support of others in need. We also enjoy an incredible community of fellowship.

Name of Circle Celebration Eliora Friends

GUMW currently offers nine circles. Circles are organized small groups of women ranging anywhere from nine to thirty nine members. We enjoy fellowship and mutual support through gatherings, devotions, and programs. Each circle also adopts a variety of mission projects to support throughout the year. All women of the church are encouraged to join a circle, especially if you have not yet found that small circle of friends that can be so important in your Christian walk. If you are interested in joining a circle, or would like more information, contact Anna Graunke, GUMW President, at annagke@comcast.net.

Mission Focus Church Women United & Golden Cross Dress for Success Alturas Ministry

Grace

Room In The Inn Memphis

Hope

United Methodist Neighborhood Center

Joy Mertice Foster Priscilla More Friends

Memphis Business Academy Methodist Healthcare Auxiliary Starfish Ministry & Weekend Food Program Miriam Day Care at UMNC

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 and 15 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. Check your calendar and register now. Your check is your ticket to this class.

WHERE: Room 339 (Fellowship Forum classroom) in the Ministry Center WHEN: Thursday and Friday, July 14 and 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: •B e independent, safe, and confident while on the road •K eep up with changes so you don’t put yourself and others at risk •L earn state-specific information throughout the course •F ocus 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.

Handy Helpers Our Handy Helpers are Waiting for your call! Summer is upon us, 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 Tony Campolo Headlines Wisdom and Grace Conference! Come to the waters of Lake Junaluska August 1-4 to enjoy the summer beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina and join in fellowship and study with adults from across the Southeastern Jurisdiction. Dr. Tony Campolo will be the conference preacher and Dr. Mickey Efird will be the Bible study leader. Workshops offered include: NEXT: retirement as re-invention; Soaring in mind, body, and spirit, Best practices in older adult ministry; Laughter wellness therapy; Reminiscence & resiliency: spiritual flourishing in the second half of life. There will be a free afternoon to enjoy the areas around the Lake—Cherokee, Maggie Valley, tour

the Methodist museum, or just go out on the Lake. There is also a golf outing available. Registration is $90 and includes three workshop choices as well as worship, Bible study, fellowship, and entertainment. There is an additional cost for housing and meals. Make new friends and renew old friendships— all under the banner of “Come to the Water” for a time of renewal and inspiration. For more information or to register and make housing reservations, go to lakejunaluska.com/wisdomand-grace or registrar@lukejunaluska.com or call 800-222-4930.

Adult Education Monday Monthly Book Club June 27 The Remains of the Day . . . . . . . . . . . Kazuo Ishiguro July 25 Reconstructing Amelia . . . . . . . Kimberly McCreight August 22 A Tree Grows in Brooklyn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Betty Smith Summertime “and the living is easy” and the perfect time to catch up on your reading! Join us the fourth Monday of each month at 10:30 a.m. for a lively discussion! There is no need to register, just purchase the book (or check-out from the library).

September 26 The Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Richard Paul Evans October 24 The Orphan Master’s Son . . . . . . . . . . Adam Johnson November 28 The Bookseller of Kabul . . . . . . . . . . . Asne Seierstad

General Conference Continuing the Story of General Conference June 14, 15, 16 | 6:30-7:45 p.m. Fellowship Hall On three consecutive nights–June 14, 15, 16, Rev. Richard Smith and Rev. Brad Gabriel will share updates on the 2016 session of General Conference and the key decisions that were made. This particular General Conference, which was held May 10–20, in Portland, Oregon, faced some compelling social-ethical and administrative issues; including ones considered most controversial. The sessions will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will conclude by 7:45 p.m. in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall. There will be ample time for questions and discussion; particularly on the closing night of this series. You may register for one, two, or all three sessions. Register online at germantownumc.org or contact Mary Groh at 754-5093 or mgroh@germantownumc.org for more information. Childcare is available by reservation.

Adult Education Coming in June Summer Bible Study for Women! Breathâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;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 Christianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. Childcare is available by reservation. Cost for the study is $15. Register at germantownumc.org.

The Middle Summer Events! Ice Cream Social June 11 | 10:30 a.m. 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.

Table for 8 June 25 | 6 p.m. Get together with other adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s at a local restaurant on Saturday, June 25 at 6 p.m. Childcare is available at the church beginning at 5:30 p.m. Register online by June 22. For more information contact Julia Underwood at juliamunderwood@yahoo.com.

Redbirds Game August 6 | 6:30 p.m. Join your GUMC friends for a Redbirds game followed by fireworks at AutoZone Park on Saturday, August 6 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 and include a hot dog, soda, and cap. Please contact Emily Moore to register or with questions, 604-4461 or ekmoore11@gmail.com. Registration deadline is July 30. 11

Health & Recreation

GUMC Sports Camp For completed kindergartners through rising 5th graders

June 20-25 / July 25-29 9 A.M. - 2 p.m.

Basketball, Pickleball, Karate, Hockey, Volleyball...and so much more! 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.

Learn more at www.germantownumc.org 12

2016: DEEP DELIGHT- STORYTELLING AS SPIRITUAL ADVENTURE Faith Seeking Understanding

2016: DEEP DELIGHT- STORYTELLING AS SPIRITUAL ADVENTURE

Weekend Proves to be a Popular Success By Crystel Hardin

“Michael Williams is a fabulous storyteller, and we were very fortunate and blessed to have him spend a weekend with us,” said Mary Groh, GUMC director of adult education and chair of the event. “I was thrilled to be a part of this wonderful experience, to have watched it grow from conception to reality and to see the effect Rev. Williams had on so many people in our church community. We had a wonderful, dedicated committee whose hard work helped to make this weekend a success and an event to remember!” Rev. Richard Smith echoed Mary’s comments about Williams. “Through his stories, his spiritual insights and his Sunday sermon, we all were reminded of the manifold ways the experiences of our lives can be windows to God,” Smith said. “He reminded us to pay attention; to embrace our stories and experiences; and to understand how through them God is continuously speaking to us.” GUMC Youth Director Sue Hyland described the weekend as a very moving personal experience. GUMC recently hosted its inaugural Faith Seeking Understanding series in the form of a weekend experience with Rev. Michael E. Williams, senior pastor of West End UMC in Nashville. The theme of the weekend was “Deep Delight: Storytelling as Spiritual Adventure.” The events, which took place April 15-17, included a Friday night dinner and lecture, a Saturday morning seminar, and sermons delivered at all three worship services on Sunday morning. All of the events were well attended, with the dinner reaching attendance capacity.

“Michael spoke to the deepest parts of all of our souls,” she said. “One thing that he focused on Friday was the people in our lives that have impacted us and the places of sanctuary that we go to. As I reflected on the people in my life that have impacted me and my places of sanctuary, I was instantly moved to tears. To have a speaker move me to tears was incredible, but what was even more impactful was Michael’s way of pulling those memories out of us. Those memories were there and always have been. It takes a special person to speak to someone’s soul, and he did just that.”

Faith Seeking Understanding Hyland also felt especially close with her church family throughout the weekend. “In a church this size, it is so easy to get caught in our own small groups and Sunday School classes and lose sight that we are all one body,” she said. “It was wonderful to get to share memories and stories with people I do not normally get to interact with. I am looking forward to the next Faith Seeking Understanding weekend so much!” GUMC member Elaine Fetzer loved that the serie felt like a weekend retreat, but that it also allowed her to see everyone in her daily life and share some of the ideas and talks with them. She found joy in her interactions with old and new church friends. “After each session, we shared some information from Rev. Williams in several different settings, each time stimulating good conversations,” she said. “I feel the weekend personally met my goal to feel renewed. It was a time set apart to be refilled with thoughts out of the ordinary.” The Faith Seeking Understanding series, which is slated to become an annual event, originated from the findings of GUMC’s Visioning Committee. In 2013, GUMC commissioned the committee to

seek and discern God’s call for the church through prayerful discussion with the congregation, church leaders and the greater community. The committee conducted a survey and a series of focus groups to identify key areas of emphasis that require the attention of the church. After analyzing the results, a spiritual formation and personal development sub-committee was created to develop and host regular spiritual renewal events, rallies and retreats as well as a periodic, ongoing speaker series, geared toward GUMC members and the community at large that would focus on how to interpret and apply biblical teachings to current events that shape our lives and the world in which we live.

Michael spoke to the deepest parts of all of our souls.... As I reflected on the people in my life that have impacted me and my places of sanctuary, I was instantly moved to tears. SUE HYLAND

Faith Seeking Understanding

GUMC member Randy Lewis said he feels more comfortable and capable telling his story to others after hearing Williams, and he believes the series will become an important annual church event thanks to the work of the Visioning Committee. “The church made it a very high priority in our long-range visioning process,” Lewis said. “Future

events will be more easily funded and executed, and better attended if they become part of our normal schedule and routine.” The first weekend in the Faith Seeking Understanding series was sponsored through a grant from GUMC’s Endowment.

For more information about future Faith Seeking Understanding events, please contact Mary Groh at 754-5093 or mgroh@germantownumc.org.

Happening in June

JUNE 1-3

Weeknight VBS JUNE 6-10

Weekday VBS JUNE 12-18

Mountain T.O.P. JUNE 14-16

Continuing the Story of General Conference JUNE 20-24

Sports Camp JUNE 27-30

Big Stuf Retreat

FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF THIS MONTHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EVENTS AND THE MOST UP-TO-DATE MINISTRY CALENDARS:

www.germantownumc.org/events

A New Partnership As many GUMC members know, GUMC and Holy Community UMC have been ministry partners for several years. Members of GUMC have given of faithful prayer support, hours of dedicated labor, and financial support. As of now, for many reasons, Holy Community is not functioning as a United Methodist church. Some ministry functions may still continue, but that is to be determined. However, Rev. Richard Smith is already leading us to expand a pre-existing ministry partnership with the celebrated Centenary UMC, located in the heart of Memphis. Former GUMC Associate Pastor, the Rev. Dr. Deborah Smith, is Senior Pastor at CUMC. While the GUMC Church Board and Pastor’s Council have received information along the way, we want the widest possible distribution of our expanded partnership as we go forward. Following is Rev. Richard Smith’s report to the Pastor’s Council on this exciting new ministry venture.

Centenary - GUMC Urban Ministry Outreach Partnership We have now fully formalized our partnership with Centenary UMC and Dr. Deborah Smith. We each have formed partnership teams. The GUMC team is: Neil Arnold, Sharon Ritz, Eb Thomas, John Wagner, and Richard Smith. There are two initial areas of significant shared work: 1. Call To Courage: Commemoration of 50th Anniversary of James Meredith’s “March Against Fear” in 1966. The planning for this historic event has been done at Centenary. This commemoration will be held on Saturday, June 25 at Centenary. We are looking at a voter registration drive, a panel discussion around then and now, displays from the Withers museum, along with thoughts from James Meredith himself. The primary activities are from 10 a.m. to noon.

2. Project Transformation. Centenary is one of two P.T. Methodist churches in Memphis chosen to be the initial venues for this summer reading enhancement experience. This effort secures college student interns, invites volunteers to assist children in reading development, and asks churches to provide snacks and meals. We will seek to provide significant volunteer support for this important venture. We already are also discussing events this fall were we can provide assistance. (Back to School, Fall Festival, etc.).

ACALLTOCOURAGE.ORG