The Tidings - July 2016 by Germantown UMC

The

Tidings GERMANTOWN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

July 2016

Table of Contents 4-7 GUMC Life 7

GUMP

8-9 Older Adults 10-12

Adult Education

UMM

UMW

Health & Recreation

Youth

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

July Sermons

from Richard

July 3 “The Difference God Makes” Psalm 8; Psalm 9:1-2 July 10 Communion | “One Man’s Story” Acts 9:1-9 July 17 Rev. Dr. Brad Gabriel July 24 “On Being Number One” Mark 10:35-45 July 31 Dr. Tim Carpenter, Metro District Superintendent

Well, we’re entering into the full summer months when things settle down a bit here at GUMC. Yet, there are still lots of meaningful and special happenings. Let me highlight a few: • Communion this month will be on July 10 instead of July 3 • We fully welcome Rev. Erin Beasley into worship leadership on July 10 and have a reception planned in her honor on July 24 • Our Children’s Ministry is sponsoring a missions camp July 5-8 • We are participating in Project Transformation (summer reading program for children) at Longstreet UMC July 18-21 • Our OLEC Ministry sponsors its second Sports Camp July 25-29 • We welcome our new Metro District leader, our District Superintendent, Dr. Tim Carpenter to the GUMC pulpit July 31 So, while it’s summer, we still gather faithfully for worship, study, outreach, fellowship, and growth. Even as you’re traveling a lot this month, I hope you still stay connected and rooted here at GUMC.

Welcome New Members!

Casey Condra & Mike Adams, May 22

Kirstin & Mark Ford, Parker & Landon, May 22

GUMC Life Reception for Rev. Erin Beasley We welcomed on June 29 Rev. Erin Beasley as our newest Associate Pastor. Even as we sent Rev. Ryan Boatright and his family forth in love and prayer, we heartily welcome Erin to our clergy staff. We want to invite each of you to a reception in Erin’s honor on Sunday, July 24, following the late service. Hopefully by then most of you have had a chance to meet her and to personally welcome her, but let’s have a grand turn out for this special recognition sponsored by our Staff-Parish Relations Committee.

Project Transformation GUMC has the opportunity to serve Project Transformation and the community of Longstreet United Methodist on July 18-21. We need 10-12 volunteers each morning from 9-12:15 to read with children. If you would like to learn more or sign up, visit www.germantownumc.org/project-transformation, or at the Welcome Center. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ryan Boatright by email or at 754-7216, or Ruth King by email or at 233-7495.

Evangelism Committee Ways to Welcome Our New Associate Pastor • Open your hearts and decide that you are going to love Pastor Erin • Begin praying daily for her • Invite Pastor Erin to social events held by Sunday School classes or other groups in the early months

• Send cards of welcome and encouragement • Give gift certificates to your favorite restaurants • Introduce yourself repeatedly! You have one name to learn; she has many names to learn • Wear nametags. This really helps!

From 50 Ways to Welcome Your New Pastor by Dr. Robert Crossman, Minister of New Church Starts and Congregational Development for the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church, is the primary author of this document. The Lewis Center staff and others provided suggestions and editorial assistance. 4

GUMC Life Scholarship Awarded Lauren Wright Hobbs Nursing Scholarship Awarded to Kendall Kinler The Emmaus Sunday School Class is proud to announce that we have chosen Kendall Kinler to receive the 2016 nursing scholarship in Lauren’s name. The scholarship was established to honor Lauren who loved serving others in the nursing profession. She lost her battle with cancer at the age of 29 in October of 2013. She left a wealth of family and friends who will always remember her with love and happy memories. The scholarship is to benefit a member of our church who is enrolled in nursing school. Kendall won this scholarship last year and we’re happy to announce that she has qualified for it again as she continues her quest to become a registered nurse. She continues to exemplify the model that Lauren lived by believing that God led her into this profession of service, as well as other common bonds of community service and love for her church. Kendall is entering her second year of nursing school and is enrolled at the University of Memphis Lowenberg School of Nursing. She is a very active member of our church who has participated in multiple youth activities, served as a counselor in our Vacation Bible School for several years, and is a current helper in our toddler nursery on Sunday mornings. This scholarship will be awarded annually to a member of GUMC who is pursuing a degree in nursing. Donations can be made at any time to this scholarship fund by writing your check to GUMC with ‘Lauren Wright Hobbs Scholarship’ in the memo line. Thanks so very much to those who have already donated to this scholarship in Lauren’s name.

Volunteers Needed at The Welcome Center The Welcome Center has a dedicated group, but we are in serious need of more volunteers. Please prayerfully consider whether this avenue of service, even for only 3.5 hours on two weekday afternoons per month, could be a way that you might be able to serve your GUMC church family. Call Sherrell Wiseman at 754-7216 for more details. 5

GUMC Life Special Message from GUMC A Note on Credit Cards and GUMC Dear Friends, A few years ago, we began the process of allowing individuals to use credit cards for payment of items such as luncheon reservations, enrollment in Vacation Bible School, purchase of materials (books, videos, etc.) and even pledge payments. This convenience was provided by GUMC as a benefit and was free of charge. Credit card usage has increased and, with that increase, so has the cost to GUMC of using that service. Last year the fees the church paid for this convenience hit the $12,000 mark. It is estimated that in 2016 these fees will approach $15,000. These are dollars that are being diverted from apportionments, maintenance needs, programs and missions. As a result of the above, the Finance committee recommended and the Church Board, in its May meeting, approved passing along the convenience fee to all who use credit cards. This fee will be 2.8% of the amount being charged and will be applied beginning July 1, 2016 for all non-pledge charges. Those wishing to pay their pledges by credit card will not incur the fee until January 1, 2017 and will be contacted in advance of the January 2017

effective date. There are, of course, options available that will mitigate the convenience fee being charged. Payment options include cash, checks and an automatic withdrawal option through your bank. Sharon Panis may be contacted at the church office if you have questions or need help with these options. With the pressures on the church budget each year, this growing expense needed to be addressed and it is hoped that everyone will understand the reasoning behind this policy change. While it is not a significant amount to an individual for most of these credit card charges (a $15 charge = 42 cents), the sheer number of people using credit cards has made it a significant amount annually for the church. Thank you for your understanding as we continue to strive to be good stewards of our churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finances. DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that if you would like to avoid filling out envelopes and writing checks, there are a number of other options for making your

OPTION

WAYS

COST TO GUMC

COST TO YOU

check

offering plate

free

check

mail to GUMC, attn: Sharon Panis

free

online bill pay

contact your bank

free

auto draft

contact Sharon Panis

nominal fee

free

credit card

germantownumc.org

2.8%

stock

contact Sharon Panis

nominal fee

free

wills

contact your estate planner

free

GUMC Life Welcome Tim Carpenter contributions? You can simply go to your bank or your bank’s online website and set up an automatic withdrawal on a monthly basis. Or, you can request that the church auto-draft your contribution on a monthly basis. In either case, for the bank transfers, please contact Sharon Panis at spanis@ germantownumc.org. If you prefer to use a credit card for making your monthly contribution, you may do so on the GUMC website by filling in the form with your account information. A small convenience fee of 2.8% will be added to your account since the church is charged a fee on all credit card transactions. Blessings to All, GUMC Finance Committee

New District Superintendent As many of you know, the McKendree and Asbury Districts of our Memphis Annual Conference have been combined into one new District titled The Metro District. Our District Superintendent per our June 2016 Annual Conference is Dr. Tim Carpenter. Tim is no stranger to GUMC as he grew up here and his parents, Doug and Mary, are key members. We formally welcome Tim to GUMC on July 31 when he will preach at all three worship services.

Germantown United Methodist Preschool G.U.M.P. (a weekday preschool program at GUMC) is now enrolling for the 2016-2017 school year beginning in August. GUMP’s core school day is from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. HOWEVER, we have additional options for the upcoming school year, including Before and After Care, plus a new classroom for children with special needs (“G.R.A.C.E.”).

For more information, visit www.mygump.org.

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. WHERE: Room 339 (Fellowship Forum classroom) in the Ministry Center WHEN: Thursday & 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 RESERVATION DEADLINE: 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.

September BBL Andy Wise to Talk About Scams Against Seniors Older adults tend to be one of the highest target groups of scammers. Every day, medical, financial, disaster relief, home maintenance, and phone scams come to people through the mail, their computers, and their telephones. Identity theft has become the norm rather than the exception. Investigative reporter Andy Wise is going to alert us to what the latest scams are and how we can be more knowledgeable and aware as we go about our daily living at the September Brown Bag Lunch Series, an adventure in learning sponsored by the Older Adult Council. Join us as we kick off our 12th season! *There will be a crossing guard on West Street to help with overflow parking.* TOPIC: “Scams against Seniors” SPEAKER: Andy Wise, Chief Consumer Investigator, WMC Action News 5 WHERE: Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall WHEN: September 2, 2016. Program starts at 11 a.m.; lunch is at noon. COST: FREE—the church will supply beverages. RESERVATIONS: No reservations are needed. Just bring your sack lunch and enjoy the program and the fellowship. QUESTIONS? Call Luci Cromer, 755-0803, or Beverly Rhoads, 754-7216, ext. 107.

Older Adult Ministry

XYZs Sees Mamma Mia! in September! Come with us as we kick off our 15th season with the ultimate feel-good show. Millions of people around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story, and the music, and you will, too. This sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter, and friendship. You will have the time of your life and leave the theater dancing.

WHERE: Playhouse on the Square WHEN: Saturday, September 3, 2016 COST: $25 per person includes transportation and reserved seat. DEPARTURE: 6:45 p.m. from OLEC parking lot. (Be there by 6:30 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: Wednesday, August 3. 9

Adult Education Agape Class Agape Class Provides Personal Connection and Encouragment

One of the benefits of joining a smaller group within the church is the enhanced personal connection and involvement. Information shared in worship or printed in the bulletin inserts are many times expanded on in the small group setting. If you have questions about a program or upcoming event, class presidents can provide many answers or direct you to who would be the best person for the information you seek. Another benefit of being part of a Sunday school class or small group is the personal encouragement from fellow believers. This is beautifully put in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 where is states, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up….” Having people who know you personally and are there when you need them most, is so important in our faith journey. They cheer you on to reach new goals and help you through difficult times. Friendships made through the common thread of our faith in Jesus provide the added strength we need to face anything that comes our way. We are lifted up together through learning, conversation, sharing meals, phone calls, cards and emails, and most of all, prayer. Since Agape was formed in the spring of 2015, the class has experienced a steady growth of members

who were looking for a place where they feel welcome and accepted for who they are. A great motto for any class is Romans 15:7 : “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” The word Agape describes unconditional love and class members strive to demonstrate that to each and every person who comes their way. “We were looking for a class that had a wide age range and where we would feel welcomed. We found that in the Agape class,” says Jennifer Predmore. “We have made lifelong friends who we enjoy socializing with outside of class as much as in class.” Jennifer and her husband Greg joined GUMC last year and found Agape Sunday school class while exploring the different offerings available to church members. Joe and Anita Brackin began visiting GUMC in April of this year. “From the first day, the Agape class members have all been so warm and welcoming. We felt immediately we were being blessed with the opportunity to meet and join an amazing group of believers,” shared Anita Brackin. “Sunday School is the place that helps keep us ‘up close and personal’ in God’s church through the relationships built both inside and outside the classroom.” Small groups and Sunday school classes are also a great way to live out your faith “hands on.” There are many opportunities at GUMC to serve others through the various classes and groups within the church. Agape class is no exception. “Service and outreach projects were a priority from the beginning,” states current class president Lauren Boswell. “Even though we were small in numbers, we knew we could still make a difference. Not only did we help others, but we also grew closer together in sharing this common purpose.” Over the last year, Agape class members have served dinner to volunteers at Service Over Self (SOS), hosted

Adult Education Methodist Traditions & Beliefs guests two nights through the Room In The Inn program, baked cookies for the UMW Christmas Cookie Shoppe, gave Christmas gifts to a CaldwellGuthrie student in need, provided snacks for youth participating in Discovery Weekend, and regularly served communion in the worship service. Agape class would love for you to join them in their endeavor to live out Romans 12:12-13 which says “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” If you are still looking for an Adult Sunday School class at 11 a.m., visit any Sunday in Room 338, Hamilton Ministry Center.

Monday Monthly Book Club

July 20 & 27 | 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 2-week study is designed for members, prospective members, or anyone just interested in learning more about the formation and growth of the United Methodist Church. Childcare is available by reservation. Please register online or call Mary Groh.

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Room 338 There is no need to register, just purchase the book (or check-out from the library) and join us on the 4th Monday for a lively and informative discussion! 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

Adult Education Adult SS Classes For a description of the class, please pick up an “Adult Sunday School” brochure at our kiosks or call Mary Groh at 754-5093. Each Sunday we post a list of classes at the Welcome Center with locations and lesson/topic for the day. Please join us soon! 9:40 a.m. Classes Location Alpha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rm. 136 Apostles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rm. 338 Asbury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Cottage Celebration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rm. 257 Emmaus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adult Ed Bldg., Rm. 4 Fellowship Forum . . . . . . . . . . . Rm. 339 Fiser Covenant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rm. 233 Gilbert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rm. 232 Horizon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adult Ed Bldg., Rm. 2

Lamplighters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rm. 342 Seekers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adult Ed Bldg., Rm. 1 Wesley 2.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adult Ed Bldg., Rm. 3 Women’s Bible Class . . . . . . . . Bride’s Room 11 a.m. Classes Location Agape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rm. 338 Emmanuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rm. 136 Foundations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rm. 233 Preston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rm. 342 Trinity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rm. 339

United Methodist Men United Methodist Men to Host UMM District Council July 30 The UMM will host the District Council for a breakfast on Saturday, July 30, at 8 a.m. in the Mike Wilson Fellowship Hall. All the men of GUMC are invited to attend this free breakfast, but will need to make a reservation by calling the church at 754-7216 by Tuesday, July 26. Come help us welcome UMM members from the other United Methodist Churches of the area. Rev. Jack Henton

United Methodist Women Children’s Consignment Fall/Winter 2016 GUMW Children’s Consignment Sale Did you know that 30 percent of all proceeds from this sale go to GUMW missions? There are 16 organizations that benefit from the consignment sale including: • Church Women United • Golden Cross • Alturas Ministry • Methodist Healthcare Auxiliary • Memphis Business Academy • United Methodist Neighborhood Center • Reelfoot Rural Ministries • Morning Center and One by One Ministries • Starfish Ministry • Dress for Success • Room In The Inn Memphis • The Forrest Spence Fund • Weekend Food Program • Miriam Day Care at UMNC • Caldwell Guthrie School • GUMC Hamilton Nursery We not only donate money to missions but we also donate items to organizations. Many consignors do not want to take back home their unsold items and they choose to donate them. Help us make a difference . . . one consignor at a time! Please make plans to consign, volunteer, shop or all three. Church member Janet Harlan has this to say about the event, “I have volunteered to work the Children’s Consignment Sale for the past 5 years. My duties were to check in items, making sure they were clean and tagged correctly. I then placed the items in the proper display area for the sale. I had never actually shopped the sale until this past spring. I had a fabulous time shopping for

my first grandchild. I purchased clothes, strollers, toys, books and baby equipment. There was such a great variety of choices and prices. I am looking forward to participating in the upcoming Fall/ Winter Sale.” So start getting ready! Clean out those closets, rummage through the attic, sort through the garage for clothing, furniture, toys, baby equipment, and more. Go to gumwclothingsale. com to get complete information about accepted merchandise and consignment instructions. Through this website you will sign up to consign and volunteer.

Important Dates to Remember: Registration deadline/inventory entry: Tuesday, August 23, at midnight. Drop off: Wednesday, August 24, 5-8 p.m., Thursday, August 25, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Pre-sale: Thursday, August 25, 5:30-8 p.m. Volunteers who work 8 or more hours may shop at 5:30. Those who volunteer 4 or more hours may shop at 6 p.m. Consignors may shop at 6:30 p.m. Public sale: Friday, August 26, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Half-price pre-sale: Friday, August 26, 5-8 p.m. (consignors and volunteers only) Public half-price sale: Saturday, August 27, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Pick-up: Sunday, August 27, 10:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. Don’t forget proceeds from this sale benefit GUMW missions. Thanks in advance for your support!

Health & Recreation

GUMC Sports Camp For completed kindergartners through rising 5th graders

July 25-29 / 9 A.M. - 2 p.m. Basketball, Pickleball, Karate, Hockey, Volleyball...and so much more! Learn more at www.germantownumc.org

The OLEC needs your help! GUMC is currently raising money to replace the 27-year-old chiller at the OLEC, which is at the end of its life. If you use the OLEC, or know anyone who may want to in the future, please consider making a donation for this necessary unbudgeted expense. All donations can be directed to Sharon Panis with â&#x20AC;&#x153;AC Replacementâ&#x20AC;? in the memo line.

Youth Volunteer Needs As you all know, it takes a village to raise children and teenagers and we are so honored that you let us be a part of your village. We are in hopes that we can add more people to this village this August. Please prayerfully consider where you might plug in as a parent volunteer or simply as a volunteer church member. It is so valuable for our students to get to know people in all different phases of life. Some volunteer openings are listed below. Contact Sue Hyland or Brian Richards if you’d be interested in fulfilling one of these roles!

Social Media Checkout our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Highlights Email to stay up to date on all things that are happening in Youth Ministry and beyond!

Germantown United Methodist Youth Ministry GUMCYOUTHMIN GUMCYOUTHMIN

Element

Adult Leader & Small Group Leader When: Sunday Nights, August-May

Trek

Small Group Leader & Small Group Leader When: Sunday Mornings, August-May

Synergy

Adult Leader & Small Group Leader When: Wednesday Nights, September-May

Confirmation in August Another season of Confirmation will begin this August with an orientation meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, August 10. We are encouraging all parents of 5th graders to attend this meeting and start out our Confirmation year on the right foot. We cannot wait to have this class join our youth ministry and look forward to a fantastic year! Please contact Sue Hyland at shyland@ germantownumc.org

Summer is in full swing, but it isn’t too early to start planning out what you’ll do in August. Below are some keys dates for our youth ministry. Mark your calendars now for lots of exciting events coming up in August! August 5, 6 Worship Band Retreat August 10 Confirmation Orientation at 6 p.m. August 14 Element Color Wars Kick-Off Trek Kick-Off August 20 Confirmation Retreat August 27 Geyser Falls

Happening in July

JULY 4

Independence Day (Offices Closed) JULY 11

Church-wide Meeting Night JULY 20 & 27

Methodist Traditions & Beliefs JULY 24

Reception for Erin Beasley

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